McDonald's confirmed through a statement that the action was carried out based on external legal advice, to protect the rights and interests of the fast food company. -Photo file/Bernama
SHAH ALAM: McDonald's Malaysia filed a civil suit against Boycott Divestment Sanctions Malaysia (BDS Malaysia).
McDonald's through a statement confirmed that the action was carried out based on external legal advice, to protect the rights and interests of the fast food company.
"We have stated transparently and consistently that McDonald's Malaysia does not support or condone the current conflict in the Middle East and like all Malaysians, we sympathize with the innocent victims in Gaza.
"We have donated a total of RM1 million to the Palestine Humanitarian Fund launched by the government and will continue to pray for the end of the conflict and continued peace in Gaza," he said in a statement on Saturday.
The statement said the company reiterated its position that McDonald's Malaysia 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.
"Although we understand and respect that boycotting is an individual decision, we believe that it should be based on truth," he said.
Meanwhile, BDS Malaysia in a statement confirmed that it had received a writ of summons from McDonald's recently claiming that it defamed the company.
"BDS Malaysia is a non-governmental organization (NGO) registered in this country that calls on the public, organizations and the Malaysian government to boycott Israel and organizations involved in Israeli atrocities against the Palestinian people," he said.
BDS Malaysia said it has appointed a legal firm, Raja Riza and Associates, and after consulting with its lawyers, the coalition will issue a more detailed statement
