Last week, I wrote in my column here that I am not one of those who are boycotting McDonald’s or Starbucks Coffee.
The reason I am not boycotting them is because I feel that the problem lies much deeper than just fast food companies and designer coffee.
I wrote that the backers of the Israel government had too much clout that a mere boycott of a few companies will not do any damage. Instead, locals get hurt more.
I also wrote that for something to actually hurt the Israel government, it has to be big and prominent enough.
For example, how several European state-owned investment arms have blacklisted Israeli companies and financial institutions.
I also said that governments that trade with Israel by proxy because they didn’t want to be seen as ‘trading with Israel’ should also cease what they are doing.
Read my column last week carefully. I also didn’t belittle the thousands who have decided to boycott McDonald’s and what not.
How can you blame them? Without the right facts and information, they actually believe what they are doing is right.
But when the boycott turns out to be just plain vandalism and bullying, then how do you justify it as being right?
Outlets being damaged, workers being attacked an assaulted, their children being shunned in school. How does that help the Palestinians?
The response that came in regarding my column last week were amusing to say the least, although a few agreed with what I had to say, many condemned me.
They accused me of being a Jew, an infidel, a hater of Muslims, an associate of the devil and a lot more colourful words and phrases.
That’s fine by me. I’m a big boy and I can definitely take criticism. Anyway, a little bit of name-calling just makes things more interesting.
But here’s the thing. I wonder what these people who are condemning me so strongly are thinking about the statement made by the Palestinian ambassador to Malaysia?
Dr Anwar Al Agha yesterday said it would be much better if people actually pressured and lobbied against the Unites States rather than boycott McDonald’s.
He told The Star that the United States granted RM718.8 million to Israel’s Iron Dome Missile Defense System.
And all McDonald’s and Starbucks are doing in Malaysia is creating jobs for locals without contributing or supporting Israel’s aggression on Gaza.
Well, at least that is what their official statements say. But hey, who believes official statements, right? What is on Facebook has much more credibility!
But you know what? I say we don’t have to worry much. It looks like the Selangor Menteri Besar debacle has overtaken Gaza in popularity.
And everyone is obsessed by what is going to happen to the state of Selangor that they will forget everything else.
Soon, everyone will start eating Big Macs and downing Americanos again. Palestine will be forgotten and remain as a car windscreen sticker here in Malaysia, as usual.
Zan Azlee
Thu Aug 14 2014
A chaotic boycott activity taking place at the McDonald's outlet in Dungun, Terengganu recently. - Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.