Nga Kor Ming and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim must explain WHY the government is opening a NEW Starbucks outlet at the Ministry of Housing and Local Government in Putrajaya, whereby the Minister was present at the opening...
There is a global boycott on US Brands like Starbucks, to put pressure on Israel to stop the killing and violence against the people of Palestine. Why is US targeted too - because US has shamelessly used its VETO powers and the UN to protect its 'friend' Israel. That abuse of VETO power has prevented the UN from taking more effective measures like the sending of a UN Peacekeeping Force, or a UN Force to ensure that the violence stops, and Israel withdraws back to its national borders.
International Court of Justice had ordered the stop of killing but Israel has not complied with the court order...
26th
January ICJ, amongst others, orders ISRAEL to stop killing of
Palestinians,etc but the killing and other things continues - What
should we do with Israel? What will ICJ do? What will UN do? READ the
ICJ ORDER of 26/1/2024
The UN had the power to impose economic sanctions on Israel, impose an embargo on arms sales in Israel - but it cannot because the US(and something other VETO holders) block it ....So, the UN is crippled to act, and Israel continues to even disrespect past UN Security Council Resolutions that manage to get passed - like the one that called for the end of building Israeli Settlements in OCCUPIED Territories.
So when the UN and governments are prevented from acting, the people as individuals and groups can still ACT to ensure justice be done in Palestine. They can issue statements, protests and demonstrate, ...and even BOYCOTT.
The BOYCOTT of US Brands with regard the Palestinian situation is not new - even in the 80s, I remember the Boycott.
Boycotts are effective - as it 'pressures' these US Brands to put pressure on the US or the relevant country to change their position, and act for human rights and justice in Palestine. Look what happened on the KK Mart Allah Sock issue, how fast did the owners and suppliers apologize.
Yes, a Malaysian company may have got the exclusive rights in Malaysia on the opening of FRANCHISES of the US Brand in Malaysia, but at the end of the day, monies still flow back to the parent company and the Brand Name still gets promoted in Malaysia.
BOYCOTT and Protest is also not just about 'money' - it is also about image - Companies place importance on their IMAGE - so to prevent loss of IMAGE, they will also be forced to act - maybe as demanded by the people who protest/boycott.
Malaysia takes a strong position on the Palestinian issue - but the opening of US Brand outlets in government premises indicates otherwise... is Malaysian PM and/or government BLUFFING the people? Hence, the opening of the Starbucks outlet NOW in April 2024, when the on going killings and injustices since October is indicative of the Malaysian position.
The government really should consider ending the contracts of all US Brands outlets in government premises, including Universities, etc..NOT opening NEW outlets. Why can't the government promote Malaysian brands and Malaysian companies ...Malaysian owned companies have been successful in establishing Brand names, and opening franchises like Mydin, 99, KK Mart, Old Town White Coffee, Marrybrown, Secret Recipe, Sushi King
True, we are concerned about the well-being of the Malaysian employees in these establishment - but the government can take steps to find them alternative employment if they suffer loss of employment.
Berjaya Corp Bhd founder Vincent Tan has called on the public to stop boycotting Starbucks Malaysia, saying it only hurts the locals running the company. The business tycoon said up to 85% of Starbucks Malaysia’s employees are Muslims and that there are no foreigners working in the company’s head office“This boycott doesn’t benefit anyone,” he was quoted by the New Straits Times ...
Interestingly, he talks about the employees at the outlets being 85% Muslim, not 85% Malaysians - so how many foreigners employed? How many Malaysians employed? Are they given REGULAR employment until retirement, or is it just short-term employment contracts? At the head office, no foreigners, but what about at the outlets?
Is the BOYCOTT having an impact - yes, it is...
Tan’s Berjaya Food Bhd (BFood) faced significant challenges due to the boycott of Starbucks in Malaysia, made worse by the weakening of the ringgit against the dollar. This led to a substantial decline in revenue and a record net loss for the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024.The boycott, sparked by the Israel-Palestine conflict, heavily impacted BFood as Starbucks Malaysia contributes 90% of the group’s revenue.
Now, did Vincent Tan or BFood exert pressure on Starbucks to respect human rights in Palestine, and pressure Israel to stop the senseless slaughter?
Why did Minister Nga attend the opening with the once infamous Vincent Tan? He could easily have sent a representative, if need be? One wonders how much DAP and the Pakatan Harapan have changed?
DAP leader and federal minister Nga Kor Ming has accused those who call for boycott of products as "instigators" out to ruin domestic economy, as Malaysian Muslims join a global boycott of US interests to protest Washington's continued support for Israel.
1 - Malaysians of all ethnicity and religions, who believe in justice and human rights, will participate in this BOYCOTT. Nga Kor Ming is WRONG to even think that it is only 'Malaysian Muslims'. The injustice and violation of human rights befalling the people in the Palestinian region is an issue of concern for ALL - and not just Muslims. Does Nga Kor Ming support the boycott?
2 - Is Nga Kor Ming trying to criminalize people who suggested and/or called for a boycott as "instigators" out to ruin the Malaysian economy? And later maybe even Malaysians who participate in these boycotts? What is happening? Is this also PM Anwar Ibrahim's position? Are they out to Oppose or shut down boycotts that came about as a peoples' effort to ensure justice in Palestine.
Hello, some countries or governments are also moving towards BOYCOTT. Take Turkey for example..
The two companies did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
"It was decided that the products of companies that support Israel will not be sold in restaurant ..
The two companies did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
"It was decided that the products of companies that support Israel will not be sold in restaurant ..
Turkish Parliament removes Coca-Cola and Nestle products from its menus to boycott Israel. In addition, many ministries and institutions in Turkiye have removed Israeli products to boycott Israel. Citizens have also been holding rallies nationwide calling for a stop to Israel’s brutal campaign. At the same time, public agencies, municipalities, and universities in dozens of provinces have announced a boycott of goods of Israeli origin.
In a statement released by the Turkish Parliament, it was stated that the Turkish Parliament decided to support the social sensitivity to boycott the products and goods of companies that openly declare their support for the war crimes of Israel, which massacres innocent people in Gaza.
Well, in Malaysia, The Minister of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Cabinet, attends the opening ceremony of Starbucks outlet that is opened at the Ministries' premises in Putrajaya...and then slams those who call/promote the boycott "instigators' out to ruin domestic economy... It seems that nothing mentioned about Palestine based on the report.
So different from countries committed to the Palestinian Cause. Maybe, Malaysia should NOT OPEN any NEW American Brand Name Outlets in government premises/universities/etc, and immediately terminate contracts of such outlets - Open up Malaysian owned Malaysian Brand outlets in government premises.
Will the Malaysian government apologize for the 'THREATS' made by the said Minister?
Will PM Anwar Ibrahim sanction or 'sack' Nga Kor Ming? Silence implies consent - business as usual - forget the Palestinian cause...
What has happened to the principled and respected DAP that used to fight the good cause... After all, they are the BIGGEST party in PH.
BOYCOTT always causes discomfort to the individual consumer as he may have sacrifice his/her favorite foot, product or outlet in support of a more important human rights and justice issue...WE, the individual person, choose to do what we can ...
DAP's Nga slams 'instigators' as fast food chains face anti-Israel boycott
The federal minister says the boycott campaign affects the economy.
Nga Kor Ming with tycoon Vincent Tan at the opening of a Starbucks outlet at the Ministry of Housing and Local Government in Putrajaya, in August 2023. Photo: KPKTDAP leader and federal minister Nga Kor Ming has accused those who call for boycott of products as "instigators" out to ruin domestic economy, as Malaysian Muslims join a global boycott of US interests to protest Washington's continued support for Israel.
Nga, who is the housing and local government minister, was commenting on a Chinese-language news report about workers of a fast food outlet feeling the effects of the boycott, which has centred on several global US brands with Israeli presence.
"Never fall into the trap of instigators, our country needs the efforts of all parties to develop the economy," Nga, the DAP vice-chairman, said in a social media post.
He described those boycotting the fast food chain as irresponsible, adding that it was hurting Malaysia's economy.
The comments drew strong reactions from Muslims, who criticised Nga for blaming the weak economy on the anti-Israel boycott.
In an immediate response, BDS Malaysia, the local chapter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement behind the global anti-Israel boycott, accused Nga of blaming the boycott of certain brands for the overall economic performance.
"If people boycott one store, they will buy from other stores," BDS Malaysia chairman Nazari Ismail told MalaysiaNow.
He cited the example of a computer brand and a fuel company that BDS Malaysia has called for a boycott.
"If people don't buy a certain XX computer, they will buy other brands. If they don't go to a certain fuel station, they will go to other fuel stations. There are many options. So the economy in general is not really affected. Only the boycotted companies are affected."
Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh echoed similar sentiments, saying that boycotts in the past, including during the Najib Razak era, had not had any impact on the economy.
"To the unwise minister Nga Kor Ming, the reason why the country's economy is doing badly is because there are ministers like you! Stupid!" he said in a Facebook post.
While many praised Akmal for criticising Nga, there were also some who questioned him and the Umno leadership for still being an ally of Pakatan Harapan (PH).
"People knew PH was stupid from the beginning. Why are you (Umno) so keen to form the government with them? And don't give me the excuse that it's an instruction from the Agong," Akmal Izzad wrote.
In November last year, McDonald's, one of the popular Western fast food chains feeling the effects of the boycott, caused a stir when the company said it was working with the government to bring sedition charges against those calling on consumers to shun the company.
In a social media post that has since been removed, representatives of the company were photographed with the chairman of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Mohamad Salim, the internet regulator that often cracks down on those it accuses of fuelling hate and spreading fake news online.
Affected by the boycott, many major US franchises in Muslim countries have been forced to show their sympathy for Palestinians by announcing humanitarian aid for Gaza, while others were quick to distance themselves from the franchise owners.
Some, such as KFC, have reminded the public that they are a local company with banners outside their outlets.
Nevertheless, the boycott campaign against these companies seems to be successful, as the normally busy McDonald's and KFC outlets across the country are almost empty even during peak hours.
A similar fate has befallen Starbucks Malaysia, whose cafes across the country have borne the brunt of an aggressive boycott campaign.
In Malaysia, Starbucks is owned by Berjaya Food, which is part of Berjaya Corporation, the conglomerate linked to prominent billionaire Vincent Tan.
The company also owns the 7-Eleven retail chain, whose chairman is Farhash Wafa Salvador, the former political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
In December, MalaysiaNow reported that 7-Eleven in Israel is one of the biggest supporters of the military action in Gaza, following a trend of local franchisees of global brands expressing moral support for the Zionist regime.
Just as Israel was preparing to attack Gaza following the Hamas' Oct 7 attacks, 7-Eleven offered a 50% discount to soldiers recruited for the military operations in Gaza, which have so far killed nearly 30,000 Palestinian civilians.
Even before Nga's latest comments, a video on WhatsApp was making the rounds in which he was criticised for officiating a Starbucks branch in the lobby of his ministry in Putrajaya.
The Starbucks café, which opened just two months before the Israeli bombardment of Gaza in October, is the only branch of its kind on the premises of a ministry.
Nga's latest remarks may have reignited tensions between Umno Youth and DAP, just as the "Allah socks" episode was beginning to die down.Akmal had recently abandoned his campaign to boycott retail chain KK Mart after socks bearing the name "Allah" were discovered there.
DAP leaders had responded to his boycott call by showing solidarity with KK Mart and urging people to shop at the retail chain to show their support. - Malaysia Now, 12/4/2024
Starbucks boycott doesn’t benefit anyone, says Vincent Tan
The Berjaya Corp Bhd founder says the majority of Starbucks Malaysia’s staff are Muslim, and the boycott only hurts the locals running the company.
PETALING JAYA: Berjaya Corp Bhd founder Vincent Tan has called on the public to stop boycotting Starbucks Malaysia, saying it only hurts the locals running the company.
The business tycoon said up to 85% of Starbucks Malaysia’s employees are Muslims and that there are no foreigners working in the company’s head office.
“This boycott doesn’t benefit anyone,” he was quoted by the New Straits Times as saying at a press conference in Okinawa, Japan.
Tan said the boycott seemed to be tapering out with Starbucks Malaysia’s sales slowly improving.
He expected further improvement to be reflected in the company’s finances for the third quarter of this year.
Tan’s Berjaya Food Bhd (BFood) faced significant challenges due to the boycott of Starbucks in Malaysia, made worse by the weakening of the ringgit against the dollar.
This led to a substantial decline in revenue and a record net loss for the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024.
The boycott, sparked by the Israel-Palestine conflict, heavily impacted BFood as Starbucks Malaysia contributes 90% of the group’s revenue.
Research houses had issued “sell” calls on BFood’s stock, anticipating ongoing earnings pressure.
While BFood said it remained optimistic about
performance improvement in subsequent quarters, some analysts were less
hopeful, citing the Middle East conflict’s persistent influence on
consumer behaviour and the potential for long-term brand erosion. - FMT, 4/3/2024
The impact of your Israeli goods boycott
KUALA LUMPUR: The ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel has spurred Malaysians to intensify their efforts in boycotting products associated with Israel, leading to substantial impacts on businesses, including shortened operating hours and reduced salaries for employees.
In contrast, economists and consumer associations posit that the boycott movement may potentially benefit local products as individuals seek alternatives to Israel-linked brands.
However, they also express the view that the boycott's impact will likely be confined to franchises in Malaysia rather than affecting the affected brands' global headquarters.
Economist Associate Professor Dr Nuradli Ridzwan Shah Mohd Dali highlights the boycott's potential to stimulate local product sales as consumers shift their preferences.
He emphasises that this shift in consumer behaviour could augment the size and purchasing power of the local market, fostering the growth of domestic businesses.
"There will always be alternatives to international products that consumers can choose.
"If you're used to buying burgers from fast-food joints, there are also street vendors using local ingredients," he told the New Straits Times.
Nuradli points out that in Malaysia, boycotting is a choice, not a compulsion, as the country is an open market with diverse consumer sentiments.
To make the boycott more impactful, he suggests that consumers explore specific industries, particularly semiconductor-related products, which significantly contribute to Israel's gross domestic product.
However, he advised consumers to research the brands or companies they are boycotting to avoid "collateral damage".
He cautioned against accusing Malaysian-owned franchises of providing funding to Israel, urging a neutral stance to prevent negative repercussions.
"It is understandable (to boycott) due to the solidarity (movement). But lumping together company 'A' in Malaysia and company 'B' in Israel as giving donations to the latter is a misconception.
"Undoubtedly, since the attack in October, the Israeli stock market has been declining due to the conflict and boycott movement happening globally.
"While there are pros and cons, the focus should be on the positive aspects, such as increased demand for local brands."
Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Azmi Hassan noted that the financial impact of Malaysians exercising their right to boycott was minimal due to the country's relatively small market size.
Unlike the situation in the United Kingdom or the United States, he said, where direct Israeli products are more prevalent, Malaysia's contribution to products supporting Israel is insignificant.
"In the case of Malaysia, there is no direct evidence of products produced in Israel being available in the market.
Renowned brands like McDonald's, which has faced scrutiny for its ties to Israel, are mainly affected at the local franchise level, such as McDonald's Malaysia, rather than the global headquarters.
"In Malaysia, the management has put out a notice that they supported Palestinian rights, and even donate to them, for example."
He said the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), a movement that works to end international support for Israel's oppression of Palestinians, targets products originating from the occupied West Bank.
"Malaysia's unique position stems from not having direct Israeli products, making the impact of the BDS movement felt broadly by local franchises."
The Consumers' Association of Penang education officer N.V. Subbarow said people should not rely on foreign products.
"If there are similar alternative products, yes, we can boycott to help boost local products, but sellers must not increase the price (when demand increases).
"(Boycotting) is a lesson to countries that are not respecting the value of human lives."
The boycott is also making rounds in other countries such as Indonesia where over 100 brands that it claims are affiliated with Israel were named.
Meanwhile, Turkiye is also brazen on boycott after the
country's parliament removed Coca-Cola and Nestle products from its
restaurants over their alleged support for Israel. - NST, 14/11/2023
Turkish Parliament, Ministries, and Turkish people boycott Israeli products
Turkish Parliament, the Ministries, and the citizens boycott Israeli goods. The Parliament removes Coca-Cola and Nestle products from its menus to boycott Israel. In addition, many ministries and institutions in Turkiye have removed Israeli products to boycott Israel
Turkish Parliament, Ministries, and the Turkish citizens boycott Israeli goods. Turkish Parliament removes Coca-Cola and Nestle productsfrom its menus toboycott Israel. In addition, many ministries and institutions in Turkiye have removed Israeli products to boycott Israel. Citizens have also been holding rallies nationwide calling for a stop to Israel’s brutal campaign. At the same time, public agencies, municipalities, and universities in dozens of provinces have announced a boycott of goods of Israeli origin.
In a statement released by the Turkish Parliament, it was stated that the Turkish Parliament decided to support the social sensitivity to boycott the products and goods of companies that openly declare their support for the war crimes of Israel, which massacres innocent people in Gaza.
The statement noted that upon the instruction of SpeakerNuman Kurtulmus, the products of companies that support Israel's genocide crimes in Gaza will not be sold in restaurants, cafeterias, and tea shops on the Parliament campus and facilities.
In a speech he delivered at Ordu University, Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus called on everyone to follow the boycott.
"In the Turkish Parliament, we will not use any products of companies that support Israel's aggression, we will not buy them from now on, and we will throw away the ones we buy. My fellow citizens of Ordu, let one of the results of today be this, we ask you, for the sake of Allah, it is not enough to just curse, it is not enough to just say 'Let this happen, let that happen'. We will not buy the products of the companies that support this massacre from now on," Kurtulmus emphasized.
In a gathering on the first day of November, Turkiye’s Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) also called for a mass boycott against Israel.
"It is important to boycott products of companies that support Zionism and fight against oppression and oppressors in every possible way,” Diyanet said.
"Boycotting the Zionist enemy and those who help it is an obligation according to Islamic law," Regarding the importance of boycotting Israel and its supporters, the Diyanet statement noted.
TURKISH PEOPLE'S BOYCOTTS SPREADS
Several nongovernmental organizations have been calling for a boycott since Gaza under attack of Israel. Social media users advocate boycotts with lists of products, including everything from Coca-Cola to products of multinational conglomerate Unilever.
At the 'Palestine Consultation Meeting', Bilal Erdogan, chairperson of the board of trustees of Ilim Yayma Vakfı (the Foundation for the Expansion of Knowledge), called on fellow organizations to join the boycott.
“We represent an important market (for Israeli products). Türkiye has sufficient local brands and does not solely rely on brands supporting Israel. We have to exert efforts to make the boycott widespread,” he emphasized.
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), and municipalities announced boycotts in their public facilities successively over the past week.
TURKISH AIRLINES BOYCOTT ISRAEL PRODUCTS
Turkish Airlines stopped the distribution of products such as Coca Cola, Fanta, etc. to boycott Israel's attacks on Palestine. Turkish Airlines has started to ban Israeli products in its lounges and on all domestic flights. They were replaced with different drinks produced in Turkiye. It is not yet clear whether the boycott will be extended to international flights.
WHAT HAPPENED
Hamas’ military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, announced that they launched a comprehensive attack against Israel called “Al-Aqsa Flood” on the morning of Oct. 7.
While thousands of rockets were fired from
Gaza towards Israel, armed groups entered the settlements in the region.
The Israeli army also launched an attack on the Gaza Strip with dozens
of warplanes. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that
Israel killed 11, 078 people, including 4,506 children, 2,823 women, and
397 elderly people. It injured at least 32,000 people in its attacks on
Gaza.
It was reported that 1,400 Israelis, including 324 soldiers,
were killed and 5,132 Israelis were wounded in the attacks from Gaza.
The
Israeli army hit Damascus and Aleppo airports. As the Middle East is
once again turning into a bloodbath, a deadline has been set for nearly
2.5 million Palestinians to leave the blockaded Gaza.
In the occupied
West Bank, 106 Palestinians were killed in attacks by Israeli forces
and Jewish settlers. In Israel’s attacks on Gaza, 48 journalists were
killed.
In the clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah on the Israel-Lebanon border since Oct. 8, 55 Hezbollah members and 4 civilians, one of whom was a journalist, were killed. Three Israeli soldiers and one Israeli civilian were killed in the attacks organized by Lebanon.
Most recently, Israel attacked the Jabalia Refugee Camp in Gaza, killing civilians.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he was breaking off all contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu because of Israeli attacks on civilians in the Gaza Strip.
Source: Newsroom, Turkiye Newspaper, 11/11/2023
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