PETALING JAYA: A defamation suit filed by McDonald’s Malaysia against BDS Malaysia, a movement promoting boycotts against Israeli interests, has been referred for mediation.
BDS chairman Nazari Ismail revealed this, saying the movement hopes the mediation’s outcome would not hinder its advocacy for the Palestinians.
“We are confident of obtaining a decision in our favour should the suit go to full trial,” Nazari told FMT.
“Nonetheless, we are prepared for the matter to be resolved through mediation as long as the resolution does not in any way undermine or inhibit our efforts to end the Zionist apartheid and genocidal actions in Palestine.
“Such actions have resulted in the death of almost 30,000 Palestinians, 70% of whom are women and children, since Oct 7, 2023.”
From BDS’s perspective, he said, “that is the main message that should anchor this mediation process”.
Nazari also said the mediation would take place on March 18 at the Shah Alam High Court.
BDS is part of the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement seeking action against Israel.
Last December, McDonald’s Malaysia, through franchise owner Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd, sued BDS for allegedly defaming the fast-food franchise through its calls for a boycott for purportedly “colluding with Israel”.
It is seeking an unconditional apology from BDS and RM6 million in damages, comprising RM3 million for loss of revenue, RM1.5 million for employees who were laid off, and RM1.5 million for expiry of materials.
Gerbang Alaf Restaurants is also seeking an injunction against BDS from calling for a boycott. The franchise owner made reference to several posters which included McDonald’s Malaysia logo which were shared by BDS relating to companies allegedly “profiting from the genocide”.
BDS has denied initiating a boycott of McDonald’s restaurants in Malaysia, claiming the boycott was first begun by ordinary Malaysians.
Nazari was reported to have said the group had merely supported the efforts of Malaysians who wished to boycott the fast-food chain. - FMT
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