Post GE15, TikTok has become a breeding ground for racially charged content. What is the platform doing about it?

It was reported earlier in October that TikTok won’t be allowing any political advertising to take place on their platform in light of GE15. However, post GE15, there have been many reports of racially charged threats and content made on the platform—and some of them were even reportedly “paid partnerships“.

Twitter users have posted that they found plenty of videos encouraging and threatening violence with weapons after the GE15 election. As of now, you’re able to still find these racially charged videos by simply searching “13 mei” and by looking under the same TikTok sounds.

“13 Mei” refers to the 13 May incident in 1969, when a riot occurred in the aftermath of the 1969 Malaysian general election. It resulted in 196 deaths, although international diplomatic sources at the time suggested a toll of close to 600 while others estimated more, with most of the victims being ethnic Chinese. This also resulted in the subsequent implementation of New Economic Policy that would favour Malays, and the advancement of the ideology of Ketuanan Melayu, or “Malay Supremacy”.

Several posts on TikTok were found inciting a possible repeat of 13 May just 48 hours after polling day. The posts have also reportedly accumulated thousands of views.

The videos falsely alleged the political dominance by DAP if PH forms the federal government, carried anti-Chinese messages, and openly threatened violence. Some also questioned the religiosity of Malay-Muslims who voted for DAP, suggesting that Muslims should not vote for the party.

Some users also noted that a few of the posts were “paid partnerships“, which meant that the users were being paid to create the polarising content. Some also suggested that the posts have been “coordinated” as the posts have used the same captions and hashtags despite being posted by different users.

Yesterday, the Royal Malaysian Police posted a statement online regarding the rising “provocative” content on social media. They warn that social media users should refrain from using social media platforms to spread provocative content that may cause public frenzy. They also said that action will be taken against any party who attempts to threaten public safety and order.

The police also posted that they are opening 7 investigation papers and arrested six men in Kedah under the “Electoral Offences Act of 1954“. The act prevents electoral offences and acts of corruption and illegal acts in elections.

Despite TikTok seemingly being reported to have discouraged politically charged campaigns on their platforms in light of GE15, how are these posts still up? I have reached out to TikTok’s representative about a statement and will update the article when I get a response. But for now, TikTok has not yet addressed the issue.

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