New Envoy Says Boycotts Only Hurt Malaysians Not Us Or Israel

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An ongoing boycott movement against local US-linked chains will ultimately hurt Malaysian employees, said the new US ambassador.
At the same time, Edgard D Kagan noted that people have a right to express their views peacefully, including through boycotts and protests.
“I’m grateful that boycotts (in Malaysia) have been peaceful.
“I think it is unfortunate because ultimately, as most of you know, two main outlets are being boycotted. One is owned by a Malaysian and the other by Saudis.
“As a result, the people who are suffering are the Malaysian employees,” Kagan (above) told the media in his first press conference at the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur today.
Since the escalation of attacks by Israeli forces against Palestinians in Gaza, major US-linked brands have been subjected to targeted boycotts, including McDonalds and Starbucks, which have outlets across Malaysia.
While Kagan did not name any brands, Starbucks in Malaysia is owned by Berjaya Group, while the company that runs McDonald’s is owned by a Saudi Arabian corporation.
Last month, McDonald’s Malaysia through Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd (GAR) - the franchise owner of McDonald’s in Malaysia - withdrew a legal suit against Boycott Divestment Sanctions Malaysia (BDS Malaysia) following a mediation process.
“I think there may be some symbolic satisfaction in doing that (boycotting), but ultimately the people that are hurt are not Israel, and not the US. So, in that sense, it’s unfortunate,” said Kagan.
Practical reality
At the same time, Kagan also reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to respecting the rights of peaceful assembly and protest, including when they become the “target” of Malaysians expressing dissent against Israel.
“I would be lying if I said we are thrilled that people saw us as the way to express dissatisfaction with Israel.
“But I understand that is the practical reality, and we understand this reflects the sentiments of Malaysians.
“We strongly support the right of peaceful protest.
“And obviously, our preference would be that they do not see us as the way to express dissatisfaction with Israel because we are not Israel,” he said.
Kagan also expressed appreciation for efforts by the Malaysian government and authorities to ensure the safety of US officials here when faced with public protests.
The US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur was the target for a six-day symbolic “siege” last December, organised by pro-Palestine NGOs and activists, which was prompted by the US veto of efforts by the United Nations to push for a ceasefire in Gaza amid a continued assault by Israel.
Commenting further, Kagan said the US mission here has conveyed Malaysia’s strong stand and concerns for Palestinians in Gaza to President Joe Biden’s administration.
“I think that the challenge is obviously how to translate that into meaningful actions that bring about a ceasefire, release of hostages, and efforts to address sufferings there (in Palestine),” he said.
On March 29, in a landmark ruling, judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) unanimously ordered Israel to take immediate and effective action to guarantee the delivery of basic food supplies to the beleaguered Palestinian population in Gaza.
This followed a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for Ramadan, leading to a sustainable ceasefire.
As many as 14 countries voted in favour of the resolution, presented by 10 elected members of the council, while the US abstained from voting. - Mkini

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