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Read, Debate: Engage.
| topic: | Human Rights |
|---|---|
| located: | Malaysia, Israel |
| editor: | Ashley Yeong |
On 7 October, Hamas, the militant group governing the occupied Gaza Strip, launched an attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people, kidnapping over 200 and reportedly using sexual violence as a weapon of war.
Israel's retaliation on Gaza has since escalated into a humanitarian crisis in Palestine and ignited a global wave of boycott campaigns against companies allegedly linked to Israel.
Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim nation with no formal ties to Palestine, has emerged as an active participant in these efforts, consistently advocating for Palestinian rights and sovereignty.
After over 100 days of death and suffering in Gaza, as an act of solidarity with the Palestinians, Malaysians have exercised boycotts in an attempt to demand a ceasefire of its ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
At the time of writing, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reportedly killed more than 27,000 Palestinians - most of whom are women and children - according to the Gaza health ministry and displaced nearly 2 million.
Despite a nearly 8,000km distance from the war zone, the impact of the crisis has reverberated across Malaysia. Protests have erupted outside the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, with citizens demanding a ceasefire and holding placards with slogans such as "To be silent is to be complicit" and "Stop aiding genocide." Some even went as far as using mock corpses to convey their message.
The level of impact these boycotts have has yet to be known, but many international brands have seen lesser foot traffic for months.
One of the companies that are most affected is McDonald's. The controversy started when the giant restaurant chain's Israeli branches announced free meal donations to the Israeli military, sparking backlash from those supporting Palestine. Boycotts have subsequently expanded to include brands like Starbucks and Burger King.
The backlash prompted McDonald's in Malaysia to file a defamation lawsuit against the pro-Palestinian group Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS). The fast-food giant alleges damages of 6 million ringgit (USD 1.31 million).
Malaysia's vocal support for Palestine persists, with its government resisting Western pressure to denounce Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised Malaysia's stance during a diplomatic move in November, urging all nations, in a conversation with US President Joe Biden, to press for a ceasefire in Gaza.
"I emphasise the need for all countries to press for a ceasefire in Gaza so that there will be no further loss of civilian lives, especially infants. Stop the atrocities in Gaza. Stop it now," he declared.
