KUALA LUMPUR – BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) Malaysia has called on the Malaysian government to refrain from entering into procurement contracts with companies implicated in the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
In a press release today, BDS underscored the need for the Malaysian government to dissociate itself from entities involved in what it termed the “brutal display of survival tactics” against the people of Gaza.
According to BDS Malaysia, the Israeli state, rooted in Zionist settler colonialism and characterised by apartheid practices, has lost any claim to moral legitimacy.
The organisation highlighted the alleged complicity of various companies in supporting Israel’s actions.
“It is well known that Israel can act with impunity due to diplomatic and political protection by the US and other Western governments. However, it is also a fact that among its enablers are companies profiting from the ongoing violence inflicted upon Palestinians,” it said.
“This is not only unacceptable but morally reprehensible.”
The organisation singled out several multinational corporations, including Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and Intel, among others, accusing them of profiting from the violence against Palestinians.
The call comes in the wake of the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibitions currently being held in the country, which featured BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin, among other firms.
Other companies mentioned by BDS included Hewlett-Packard, Caterpillar, Siemens, Caltex/Chevron, JC Bamford, HD Hyundai, Google, HIK Vision, and TKH.
The organisation also provided an overview of the situation in Gaza, citing statistics purportedly documenting the scale of the crisis.
BDS pointed out that over 42,510 Palestinians, including 10,091 women and 15,780 children, have been killed in Gaza in the past seven months.
It said 80% of schools, almost all universities, numerous public libraries, mosques, and churches have been destroyed or damaged.
Gaza’s health system has been severely compromised, with most hospitals and health centres rendered inoperable, it said.
“Israel is now poised for an offensive in Rafah, where over a million internally displaced people are taking refuge. This potential onslaught carries catastrophic consequences.”
“Acting against the genocide is of the utmost urgency. One way is to hold these companies accountable for their complicity and treat them as business outcasts.”
“We urge the Malaysian government to take immediate action by excluding the companies listed above from any procurement or purchases of hardware and software and to accept the proposal to be submitted by BDS Malaysia to align the country’s trade policies and practices with our overall foreign policy of non-recognition of the Zionist state.” – May 7, 2024