BOYCOTT, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia has condemned the string of vandalistic acts against fast food restaurants in Selangor, calling them “misguided and criminal”.
BDS, a movement that supports boycotts against Israel, said that it does not condone violence.
“There is no need for criminal acts to garner public support in the fight for Palestinian freedom.”
“The intense emotions caused by the ongoing genocide (in Gaza) should be expressed through creative and lawful actions which will advance the Palestinian struggle for freedom and justice,” it said in a statement today.
BDS stressed Malaysians are encouraged to exercise their constitutional right to boycott companies and brands listed on the official BDS boycott list.
Seven cases of vandalism involving fast food restaurants were reported recently, with outlets hit with boycott-related graffiti linked to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan said these incidents took place in the state between May 28 and 31.
Four cases were in Sg Buloh, two in Petaling Jaya, and one in Kajang, where Israeli flags were also pasted on the premises.
In a statement yesterday, McDonald’s managing director Azmir Jaafar said acts of vandalism on signboards, billboards and at many of its restaurants nationwide had “escalated in frequency and severity”.
Azmir said these actions caused significant harm and distress to their staff and the surrounding community.
Azmir said he respected the right to express views but urged everyone to refrain from damaging property. – June 2, 2024.
