The McDonald’s Malaysia has filed a lawsuit against an organization that advocates for boycotts against Israel, accusing them of making false and defamatory remarks that have negatively impacted its operations. The fast-food chain is seeking compensation totaling 6 million ringgit ($1.31 million) for the damages caused.
Malaysia, being a predominantly Muslim nation, strongly advocates for the Palestinians and has actively supported them. Consequently, several Western fast-food chains operating in Malaysia, along with other Muslim countries, have faced boycott campaigns due to their association with Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.
“Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd” (GAR), the authorized operator of McDonald’s (MCD.N) in Malaysia, has filed a lawsuit against the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia movement. The lawsuit is in response to a number of social media posts that supposedly connect the fast-food chain, along with other companies, to Israel’s “genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza”.
Gerbang Alaf Restaurants has claimed in a writ of summons dated Dec. 19, as seen by Reuters, that BDS Malaysia has incited the general public to boycott McDonald’s Malaysia. This alleged action has resulted in significant financial losses, job cuts, and disruptions to the operations of Gerbang Alaf Restaurants, including closures and reduced operating hours.
McDonald’s Malaysia has officially announced that it has initiated legal proceedings against BDS Malaysia in order to safeguard its “rights and interests”. This statement was released on Friday.
In contrast, BDS Malaysia firmly refutes any allegations of defaming the fast-food giant and has decided to let the court handle the matter.
The objective of the BDS movement is to cease global backing for Israel’s “suppression of Palestinians” and compel Israel to adhere to international regulations.
