The BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) Malaysia movement exists to provide information on which brands have contributed to human rights violations. One of the brands listed was McDonald’s which has led many to boycott them, especially after the Israeli branch provided free meals to the Israeli army during their attack on the people of Gaza.
McDonald’s Malaysia has since released multiple statements to deny that they had anything to do with the genocide of Palestinians and even shared their plans to file a defamation lawsuit against BDS Malaysia. Many, of course, were not happy with this move but apparently, something good has come out of this lawsuit.
After McDonald’s Malaysia shared their plans to sue BDS Malaysia for allegedly defaming the business, the news made headlines worldwide which further solidified people’s stance to keep boycotting the fast food chain. Of course, the NGO (non-governmental organization) was initially upset when they were hit with the lawsuit but later acknowledged the global attention and overwhelming support they were receiving.
In a press statement released by BDS Malaysia yesterday (Wednesday, 13th March), the movement said that there will be a mediation session with McDonald’s Malaysia later the 18th of March at the Shah Alam Court. They also took the opportunity to thank the brand for suing them. “[We] also thank McD because their lawsuit against us has helped make BDS Malaysia famous, not only in Malaysia, but also around the world, thus helping publicise our campaign to boycott Israel and companies linked to it,” the statement reads.
The NGO mentioned that the lawsuit has caused International BDS movements to start a particular global campaign to boycott McDonald’s. They ended their statement by encouraging Malaysians to attend the upcoming court session to show support for the boycott campaign against Israel and every company that is directly or indirectly complicit to the state’s atrocities.
McDonald’s Malaysia have yet to respond to the statement by BDS Malaysia but the managing director, local operating partner, and the president of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Malaysia, Azmir Jaafar previously addressed the ongoing issue insisting that the Malaysian branch has helped and will continue to help to provide aid to those affected in Gaza. Whether BDS Malaysia wins the lawsuit or not, their unbreakable spirit is proof that the people will continue to stand for what they believe in.
Update (Friday, 22nd March)
BDS Malaysia posted a statement on their social media page to inform the public that McDonald’s Malaysia has withdrawn their lawsuit against them. Full statement below:
Source: Twitter
