McDonald's Malaysia Drops Its RM6 Million Defamation Suit Against BDS Malaysia
The company said it firmly condemns all forms of violence.
By Sadho Ram — 22 Mar 2024, 03:34 PM
McDonald's Malaysia will withdraw its defamation suit against the local chapter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement
In a statement today, 22 March, Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd, the licensee of McDonald's in Malaysia, said the decision comes following constructive clarifications from BDS Malaysia, acknowledging that the actions of McDonald's operator in Israel are wholly independent of McDonald's Malaysia.
In December last year, the company filed a brand defamation legal suit against BDS Malaysia, demanding that the movement issue an apology and RM6 million in special damages.
According to McDonald's Malaysia managing director and local operating partner Datuk Azmir Jaafar, the legal suit was filed to ensure the company's position on the Middle East conflict was clear.
"Our stance remains firm. We do not support, nor are we complicit in any conflicts or wars," Azmir said in the statement today, adding, "Having operated for more than four decades in Malaysia and being a 100% Muslim-owned business, we are proud to be a member of the local community."
McDonald's Malaysia said that it firmly condemns all forms of violence
Expressing solidarity with the victims in Gaza, the company said that it prays for an end to the war and for continued peace.
McDonald's Malaysia also extended its support to Palestinians impacted by the violence through contributions to the Palestine Humanitarian Fund and various employee fundraising initiatives to aid relief efforts in Gaza.
"We hope that the decision made today will allow all parties to move forward and focus on finding a resolution that upholds justice," Azmir added.
