BDS Malaysia sets record straight, McDonald's yet to fully withdraw lawsuit

The Boycott Divestment Sanctions Malaysia (BDS Malaysia) said that the press statement issued by Gerbang Alaf, the local McDonald's franchisee, announcing their withdrawal of the suit, was "inaccurate" and "misleading". 

In a press release, BDS Malaysia said that it was informed of Gerbang Alaf's decision to withdraw its legal suit through the press. However, it "feels compelled to set the record straight." 

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BDS Malaysia said the statement was "not only inaccurate but also misleading". Adding that "it misrepresents the true nature of the withdrawal" and BDS Malaysia's stance on the matter. 

"There was never any agreement during the first mediation session due to Gerbang Alaf’s refusal to accede to our demand that they condemn Israeli crimes of genocide in Gaza," said BDS Malaysia in a statement, adding:

However, we were not surprised by their decision to withdraw their suit because their case against us was very weak. We were confident in winning the case should it go to a full trial.

BDS Malaysia added that Gerbang Alaf's legal suit has not yet been fully withdrawn. This is because both parties have yet to agree upon withdrawal terms, said BDS Malaysia in a statement. 

"The matter will be brought for resolution on 18 April in front of a court-appointed judge," said BDS Malaysia. 

A+M has reached out to McDonald's Malaysia for a statement. 

Last month, it was reported that McDonald's Malaysia decided to withdraw a brand defamation legal suit against the movement. 

"With the positive outcome of the mediation and clarifications made by BDS in its recent statements, acknowledging that the actions of McDonald’s operator in Israel are wholly independent of McDonald’s Malaysia, we will be withdrawing the legal suit," said McDonald's Malaysia in a statement at the time. 

McDonald's Malaysia added that its stance remains firm in that it does not support or are complicit in any conflicts or wars.

In response, BDS Malaysia put out a statement at the time saying it was "not surprised by McDonald's decision" as it had "consistently maintained that McDonald's claims were without merit and lacked legal foundation". 

It added that moving forward, McDonald's will remain under 'Organic boycott targets' by BDS Malaysia. The continued boycott is due to its alleged complicity with actions in Palestine, added BDS Malaysia. 

"We urge the global community to continue boycotting Israel and all entities complicit in the perpetuation of injustices until Palestine achieves freedom and the justice for all its people, from the river to the sea," said BDS Malaysia. 

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