“HELL hath no fury like a dragon scorned”, if you will pardon the paraphrasing.
This appears to be the case of political activist and social media influencer with a pro-Perikatan Nasional (PN) slant – Ratu Naga – over her closed TikTok account.
The TikToker whose real name is Syarul Ema Rena Abu Samah appears non-plussed that her account has been shut down without explanation.
She has since flooded social media with videos and posts appealing to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to lift the suspension, claiming this was an issue affecting “thousands” of accounts belonging to Malaysians.
The former PKR Wanita information chief further stated that she and many others utilise the platform for meaningful discussions and to spread information and not fake news.
Syarul Ema also claimed that her numerous e-mails on the matter to the short-form video hosting service provider have been met with silence.
This has prompted her to send a legal notice to TikTok Pte Ltd, Bytedance System Sdn Bhd and Bytedance Sdn Bhd – all of which are companies related to TikTok – via her lawyers Daim and Gamany on April 25, demanding action to rectify the issues raised by her.
Given her profile as an opposition activist, her post was met with lots of comments. Many of her supporters were applauding her “courageous” actions on her Facebook page.
With some condemning TikTok for its action or even expressed suspicion that this was the work of “unseen hands”.
This episode of perceived silencing of opposition voices was seized upon by Ratu Naga’s obviously pro-PN demographic.
Needless to say, the anti-unity government brigade was out in full force, denouncing PMX (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) for what is being seen as unwarranted censorship.
A few though ridiculed Ratu Naga for her actions, hinting that “she is too big for her shoes”.
This development is indeed worrisome as social media has become the battlefield in which political parties seek to win the hearts and minds of voters.
Although Ratu Naga is deemed ‘a pest’ in the eyes of many pro-Pakatan Harapan (PH) netizens, her concern is not misplaced if it is true that social media platforms like TikTok can shut or suspend accounts without reason or proper justification.
Malaysia has a chequered history when it comes to civil liberties, especially with regard to freedom of speech.
Mass media is almost always a muzzled beast, leading many citizens find information on social media. Malaysians are particularly enamoured with social media as these platforms allow them to express their views which many thought would be free of fear and prejudice.
As such, Malaysians are particularly enamoured with social media as these platforms allow them to express their views which many thought would be free of fear and prejudice.
Hence, it would be good for TikTok to provide an official explanation. If it is indeed proven that Ratu Naga and those with similarly suspended accounts have been guilty of spreading fake news, fanning 3R (race, religion and royalty) sentiment or disseminating inflammatory content, then perhaps the authorities can take legal action against the perpetrator.
Silencing voices regardless of political affiliations is to be condemned. Spreading lies and other misinformation should also be curtailed.
It is a difficult balancing act but one that must be properly addressed if the nation is to progress. Neither the TikTok head honcho Shou or the platform has responded to Ratu Naga’s demands at the time of writing.
Netizens await with bated breath. – May 2, 2024
