Malaysia will ask Meta Platforms to explain the removal of posts from Facebook related to media reports of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's publicized meeting this week with a Hamas leader, its government said on Wednesday.

Anwar met Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas in Qatar and on Tuesday said he had good relations with the political leaders of Hamas, but no involvement in its military apparatus.

Muslim-majority Malaysia has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and has advocated for a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

Malaysia's communications regulator had received complaints regarding the removal of the Facebook posts, government spokesperson and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil told a media briefing.

In February, Meta removed Facebook and Instagram accounts run on behalf of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for "violating" its policy, a decision blasted by Iran as an "infringement on freedom of expression."

Fahmi has said Malaysia would take firm action against Meta if it was blocking pro-Palestinian content on its platforms.

(With input from Reuters)