Malaysians are becoming more and more likely to boycott Western businesses that have declared their support for Israel in its continuous conflict with Hamas. The country, which has a majority of Muslims, has organized substantial protests in support of Palestine, with the most recent week being called Palestine Solidarity Week.
Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister, has spoken out strongly against Israel, which has fueled anti-Western sentiment and made Western corporations an easy target.
Social media users are seeing messages calling on Malaysians to stop eating at McDonald’s, Burger King, and Starbucks. Celebrities have also gotten involved in the debate, arguing that action beyond simple demonstrations is required.
Renowned Malaysian businesswoman Vivy Yusof shared a video on Instagram with the caption: “If we think we are helpless guys, we are really not… Keep praying, keep donating, keep speaking up, keep posting, keep boycotting.”
McDonald’s is facing the ire of the Malaysians as it reportedly offered free services to IDF personnel fighting the war against Hamas. Last month, the US company posted a photo of its personnel donating free food to IDF soldiers.
McDonald’s and Starbucks under purview
After severing ties with its Israel division, McDonald’s Malaysia announced that it had given RM1 million (S$286,000) to the Prime Minister’s Department’s Palestine Humanitarian Fund. Starbucks is being boycotted by some irate Malaysians as well because the coffee brand has purportedly sued its labor union for supporting the Palestinians.
Palestinian envoy reacts
Walid Abu Ali, the Palestinian ambassador to Malaysia, told reporters on Friday that he really appreciated the support of the Malaysian people in response to news of the boycott by Malaysians.“Any measures supporting Palestine and its people are deeply valued. The boycott of Israeli products and franchises supporting Israel serves to minimise the suffering of Palestinians,” he said.’
Economic impact
Experts caution that the boycott movement would seriously harm Malaysia’s economy. Deputy Chief Minister Jeffrey Kitingan of Sabah issued a warning, stating that the campaign would weaken Malaysia’s trading relations with the West.
