KUALA LUMPUR: In a protest demonstration near the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians voiced their strong support for Gaza and committed to a long-term boycott of Israeli and Israel-linked goods. The protest, organized by the Malaysian chapter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, drew attention to the ongoing assault on Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 23,700 people, mostly children and women.
The demonstrators, numbering in the thousands, carried placards with messages such as “To Be Silent Is To Be Complicit” and “Stop Aiding Genocide!” as they denounced the assault on Gaza. Malaysia, which has no diplomatic ties with Israel, has a history of supporting the rights of Palestinians and their quest for statehood, barring Israelis from entering its territory.
The BDS movement in Malaysia has been actively calling for a boycott of products associated with Israel, urging citizens to avoid brands like McDonald’s, Burger King, Puma, and Airbnb. The economic and trade pressure exerted by BDS aligns with the protesters’ belief that their contribution to the boycott can have a meaningful impact on companies accused of siding with Israel.
Boycott Movement of Israeli Goods
Shahidah Wana, one of the protesters, emphasized the collective power of the boycott, stating, “We boycott whatever products from Israel. It’s a small thing, but if a million people do it, it can topple an elephant.” The rally participants expressed their commitment to the long-term boycott as a way to convey solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
McDonald’s, one of the targeted brands, has taken legal action against the BDS movement, seeking $1.3 million in damages for alleged defamation. However, the movement’s supporters remain steadfast in their stance, viewing the economic pressure as a means to raise awareness and promote change.
Mohd. Fariz Muhammad, echoing the sentiments of the demonstrators, emphasized the importance of the boycott. He stated, “This is a way for our society to educate them (the brands). Behind their products, there is an agreement that must be upheld before they get their profits. They must think about the humanitarian side of things first.”
