BDS Malaysia thanks McDonald's Malaysia for suing them

BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) Malaysia has thanked McDonald's Malaysia for making the group famous. The remark comes from a press statement in which BDS Malaysia shared its upcoming mediation session with the fast-food brand. 

In a statement, the NGO said "BDS Malaysia also thanks McDonald's because its lawsuit against us has helped make BDS Malaysia famous not only in Malaysia but also around the world." 

Don't miss: BDS Malaysia brand sentiments plummet as McDonald's sues for boycott damages 

The fame, added BDS Malaysia, helped to publicise its campaigns to boycott Israel and companies linked to it.

In tandem, it said that the lawsuit had made Malaysians and consumers worldwide even angrier towards McDonalds. 

"Whenever the news of McDonald's lawsuit against Malaysia's BDS comes out, consumers will feel more upset towards McDonald's," said BDS Malaysia.

"Moreover, McDonald's suing BDS Malaysia has caused the International BDS movement to start a particular global campaign to boycott McDonald's." 

A+M has reached out to McDonald's Malaysia for more information. 

The lawsuit comes as multiple brands face significant backlash over their support of Israel. McDonald's Malaysia first sued the movement earlier this January for false and defamatory statements and for allegedly inciting the public to boycott the fast-food chain.  It claimed that the statements hurt its business and are currently seeking damages amounting to US$1.31 million. 

"McDonald's Malaysia wish to confirm that based on external legal advice, we have filed a civil suit against BDS Malaysia to protect our rights and interests in accordance with the law," said McDonald's Malaysia when MARKETING-INTERACTIVE reached out. 

"We have been transparent and consistent with our communications that McDonald's Malaysia does not support nor condone the current conflict in the Middle East and like all Malaysians, our utmost sympathies go out to the innocent victims in Gaza," it added. 

It reiterated that it does not channel any sales, profits, royalties or franchise fees from restaurant operations to support any political cause or conflict in any part of the world. 

Aligning itself with local sentiment, McDonald’s Malaysia said it has been very vocal of its support of the Palestinians since the war broke out. In fact, McDonald's Malaysia said that it made a contribution of RM1 million to the Palestine Humanitarian Fund which was launched by the Prime Minister's department. 

"By joining hands with the government and contributing to this fund, we hope to bring much-needed relief to Palestinians who are facing extremely difficult times," said McDonald's Malaysia in a statement on its Instagram page.

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