SHAH ALAM – About 30 anti-Israel demonstrators have gathered outside the court complex here holding placards and shouting “Free, free, Palestine” ahead of the mediation between McDonald’s Malaysia and BDS Malaysia.
Many started to gather before 9am at the entrance of the court complex here while some were putting the finishing touches to their placards.
The mediation process is expected to start at 9.30am today.
Last week, BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) Malaysia called for protesters to show their support at the court complex for the boycott movement against brands perceived as being pro-Israel.
McDonald’s is heading into mediation with BDS Malaysia after suing the group for RM6 million, of which RM3 million is for loss of profitability due to shorter business hours, RM1.5 million is for severance compensation to be paid to former employees, and RM1.5 million is for expired food products and raw material waste.
The fast-food chain also wants BDS Malaysia to issue an unconditional apology via their website, Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as to take down the defamatory social media posts that featured the brand’s logo in calling for a boycott and to reveal the identities of all parties involved in spreading the posts.
It is also demanding compensation for exemplary, special and general damages, as well as 5% interest per annum, costs and 5% interest on costs.
Boycott calls began soon after October 7 last year, when photos of Israeli soldiers enjoying McDonald’s takeaway meals went viral.
Hamas attacked areas in Israel on October 7, and since then, the Zionist regime has been bombarding Gaza relentlessly.
On December 30, McDonald’s Malaysia confirmed its suit against BDS Malaysia while denying any support for Israel’s war on Palestine.
“Based on external legal advice, we have filed a civil suit against BDS Malaysia to protect our rights and interests in accordance with the law.
“While we understand and respect that the act of boycotting is an individual decision, we believe that it should be based on true facts and not false allegations,” the company said in a statement.
McDonald’s operations here are run by Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd, which in 2017 was fully taken over by the Reza Group from Saudi Arabia and a local business partner.
McDonald’s Malaysia, which has been operating here since 1982, said it has always been transparent and consistent in its communications and does not support or condone the current conflict in the Middle East. – March 18, 2024