McDonald's still under 'Organic Boycott Targets', BDS says following lawsuit withdrawal
BDS further calls everyone to continue its stand in boycotting until Palestine achieves its freedom and justice.
SHAH ALAM - McDonald's will remain categorised under the 'Organic Boycott Targets' despite withdrawing its legal suit against Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia, the group says.
In a statement today, BDS said the fast food chain will continually be boycotted due to its alleged complicity with actions in Palestine, which claims ten thousands of innocent Palestinian lives.
The statement was issued following Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd (GAR), the local franchisee for McDonald’s in the country, announced that it would withdraw its legal suit against BDS.
"We are not surprised by their decision, as we have consistently maintained that their claims were without merit and lacked legal foundation.
"McDonald's will remain categorised under 'Organic Boycott Targets' by BDS Malaysia.
"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 thousand innocent Palestinian lives, predominantly women and children," BDS said in a statement today.
BDS further calls everyone to continue its stand in boycotting Israel until Palestine achieves its freedom and justice.
"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.
Last year, when the suit was filed, McDonald's Malaysia sought RM6 million in damages.
GAR sued BDS for a series of social media postings allegedly linking the fast-food franchise, among other companies, to Israel’s “genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza”.
According to a writ of summons Gerbang Alaf Restaurants alleged that BDS Malaysia incited the public to boycott McDonald’s Malaysia, which led to a loss of profit and job cuts, among other damages, due to closures and shortened operating hours of its outlets.
McDonald's Malaysia maintained that it vehemently condemns all forms of violence and earnestly prays for an end to the war, ushering in sustained peace.
It said the company continues its support for Palestinians affected by the violence by contributing to the Palestine Humanitarian Fund and organising various employee fundraising initiatives to further aid relief efforts in Gaza.
