KUALA LUMPUR – Some 30,000 people are expected to take part in the nationwide solidarity rally on January 13 (Saturday) to show their support for Palestinians and to protest against the Israeli military’s onslaught of the Gaza Strip.
Organised by the Boycott, Divestments, Sanctions (BDS) movement, approximately 30 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have collaborated to execute the rally in conjunction with the Global Day of Action for Gaza.
Among them are the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations (Mapim), Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (Mahar), Al-Quds Foundation Malaysia, Muslim Care Malaysia, Viva Palestina Malaysia, and many more.
BDS Malaysia chairman, Prof Mohd Nazari Ismail, said this rally is to advocate for a permanent ceasefire in order to stop the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
“On January 13, we will conduct programmes for three hours, from 12pm until 3pm to mobilise and gather as many participants as possible.
“Other activities include talks conducted by community and NGOs leaders,” he said at a press conference at University Malaya today.
Also present were Al-Quds Foundation Malaysia president Dr Sharif Abu Shamala, Humanitarian Care Malaysia (MyCare) chairman Professor Dr Hafidzi Mohd Noor, and former Batu MP Tian Chua.
On the lawsuit by McDonald’s Malaysia, Nazari said he would wait for the court’s judgement over the matter.
“A total of 23,000 people have been killed in Gaza so far, with the majority of them being children and women.
“So, we have to focus on our effort to stop the killing and violence.
“We (BDS Malaysia) urge everyone – the public, the government, and business organisations including McDonald’s – to keep their focus on stopping the genocide in Gaza.
“On the legal case (of McDonald’s Malaysia sueing), I will let the court decide,” he said.
On December 29, 2023, BDS Malaysia said it was being sued for RM6 million by McDonald’s Malaysia and confirmed receiving the writ of summons, while denying that it had defamed the global brand.
On December 30, McDonald’s Malaysia confirmed its lawsuit against BDS Malaysia and denied any support for Israel’s violence in Gaza.
However, Nazari said the organisation never directly campaigned against the 100% Muslim-owned fast-food chain but instead supported the boycott initiated by the Malaysian community itself. – January 5, 2024