Set up independent probe on claims by Meta on troll farming, Gobind tells AG

SHAH ALAM - DAP deputy chairman Gobind Singh Deo has called for an independent probe against allegations made by Meta that the police were behind troll farms, a network of fake social media accounts and pages that tried to boost support for the government and run down the opposition.

The Puchong MP urged Attorney General (AG) Tan Sri Idrus Harun to state whether if it is legally proper for the police to investigate the issue.

"I call upon the AG if it is legally proper for the police to be probing allegations made by Meta over troll farming against the police.

It is also important to note that PDRM has already denied the allegation even before the probe was completed. Would there not in these circumstances be a conflict on part of PDRM to probe the matter?," he said in a statement.

He said the AG must set matters right and direct for an independent probe to be launched. "It would be best if they ate not directly connected to the police."

As the matter is one of public interest involving the integrity of the police force, Gobind said it would be best if any such probe be made public to enhance its transparency and credibility.

On Aug 5, Meta claimed the network of fake accounts posted memes in the Malay language in support of the current government coalition and attempted to paint its critics as corrupt, in addition to promoting police.

To date, it said it has removed 596 Facebook accounts, 180 pages, 11 groups and 72 Instagram accounts. Meta said its investigation found that these accounts were linked to the Malaysian police force.

A day later Bukit Aman rejected claims by Meta, the parent company behind Facebook and Instagram. The cops further said it views the allegations seriously and will probe the matter.

However, Gobind asked if there is a delay in the investigation and "if so whether it has to do with an internal probe which may be contaminated with conflict."