KUALA LUMPUR: It is untrue that the Communications and Digital Ministry has ordered video-sharing app TikTok to block Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim’s (PN-Arau) livestream on Wednesday (March 22), says Teo Nie Ching.
The Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister said there was no way the ministry would order TikTok to block Shahidan’s live stream.
"If the ministry was involved, we would’ve asked TikTok to erase the earlier livestream.
"YB (Shahidan) should understand that TikTok isn’t a company from Malaysia and it is not under the ministry. Surely they can’t just take orders from the ministry," said Teo during her winding-up speech on Budget 2023 at the committee stage in Parliament on Thursday (March 23).
"The question should be directed at TikTok. If you want their phone number, I can give it to you," Teo added.
Teo wanted to continue addressing other matters in her speech, but she was briefly interrupted by Shahidan.
"Okay YB. I will tone down (my voice). This is to thank you," said Shahidan.
However, it wasn’t met well by Teo, who said Shahidan had interrupted her speech for five minutes.
"I only have 20 minutes left. You alone took up five minutes. So, please, sit down," said Teo.
Shahidan then agreed to sit down and thanked Teo for addressing his question in her speech.
"Don’t stand up again, let me answer other issues," added Teo.
Earlier, there was a brief heated moment in the House when Teo addressed allegations by Shahidan who said his TikTok live stream was blocked following a meeting between the ministry and the video-sharing app.
"The ministry has no knowledge why the TikTok live of Arau was stopped during his speech on Wednesday (March 22).
"I felt that allegations that his TikTok was closed because the ministry collaborated and met the social media platform, are very irresponsible.
"If you are brave enough, repeat the allegations outside of Parliament so that legal action can be taken," said Teo.
Teo also said it was ironic that Shahidan, who claimed to be an MP defending freedom of speech, had failed to speak out for her when she was previously investigated by the police for social media postings.
"He did not defend me when I was probed over content shared on Facebook," said Teo.
Shahidan said he was merely asking a question and he was not challenging Teo at all.
"If you are not involved, then say so... I’m not crazy to do that. I have lots of work for the people. I’m not challenging you," added Shahidan.
Teo then told Shahidan that it is the holy month of Ramadan and everyone should keep calm.
"With this, I will retract my loud voice. I will soften it down. Arigato," said Shahidan.
Debates on Budget 2023 at the committee stage will continue until next Tuesday.
