McDonald’s Malaysia is withdrawing a legal suit against Boycott Divestment Sanctions Malaysia (BDS Malaysia) following a mediation process recently.
According to the managing director and local operating partner of McDonald’s Malaysia Azmir Jaafar, with the positive outcome of the mediation and clarifications made by BDS in their recent statements, acknowledging that the actions of McDonald’s operator in Israel are wholly independent of McDonald’s Malaysia, they will be withdrawing the suit.
“We hope that the decision made today will allow all parties to move forward and focus on finding a resolution that upholds justice,” he said in a statement.
Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd (GAR), the franchise owner of McDonald’s in Malaysia, had filed a suit last year against the group advocating for boycotts against major international brands in response to the Israeli invasion of Gaza.
GAR has claimed RM6 million in damages, including revenue loss (RM3 million), compensation for employees who were laid off (RM1.5 million), and expiry of materials (RM1.5 million).
The plaintiff said the defendant incited the public to hate the McDonald’s brand due to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
‘Very positive’
In response, BDS Malaysia denied defaming GAR, saying the group did not directly campaign against the fast-food chain giant but merely endorsed a boycott initiated by the Malaysian public.
According to media reports, both parties had a mediation process last Monday, which was described as “very positive”.
In a statement today, Azmir said their stance remains firm, that they do not support nor complicit in any conflicts or wars.
“Having operated for more than four decades in Malaysia and being a 100 percent Muslim-owned business, we are proud to be a member of the local community - unwavering in our commitment to transparency, ethical business practices, and social responsibility towards Malaysians.
“Our hearts go out to the innocent victims in Gaza who are caught in the conflict. We firmly condemn all forms of violence and pray for an end to the war and continued peace.”
He added that McDonald’s Malaysia continues to support Palestinians impacted by the violence through our contribution to the Palestine Humanitarian Fund and various employee fundraising initiatives to further support relief efforts in Gaza.
‘Organic boycott target’
Meanwhile, BDS Malaysia said it was not surprised by McDonald’s Malaysia’s decision, saying it had consistently maintained that its claims were without merit and lacked legal foundation.
Moving forward, BDS Malaysia said McDonald’s will remain categorised under its “organic boycott targets” list.
“The company continues to be boycotted by conscientious individuals worldwide due to its alleged complicity with actions in Palestine, which have tragically resulted in the loss of over 32,000 innocent Palestinian lives, predominantly women and children.
“We urge the global community to persist in boycotting Israel and all entities complicit in the perpetuation of injustices until Palestine achieves freedom and justice for all its people, from the river to the sea,” it said in a brief statement today.
The term “organic boycott targets” refers to initiatives launched by grassroots boycott campaigns and not by the BDS movement itself. - Mkini
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