AdminIn the midst of a global uproar over McDonald’s Israel’s decision to provide free meals to Israeli soldiers and citizens, McDonald’s Malaysia (Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd) has issued a statement, reaffirming its commitment to local values and social responsibility. The statement emphasizes the company’s dissociation from the actions of McDonald’s Israel, highlighting its dedication to the local community and underprivileged populations.
McDonald’s Malaysia, a wholly-owned entity since its acquisition by Lionhorn Pte. Ltd. under the Reza Group companies from Saudi Arabia in 2017, has consistently maintained its local values, with a strong focus on giving back to the Malaysian community. Since the acquisition, McDonald’s Malaysia has contributed over RM12 million in Zakat payments to 14 states across Malaysia, supporting underprivileged communities.
McDonald’s Malaysia’s official statement
In their official statement, McDonald’s Malaysia, also known as Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd, emphasized its commitment to local values, its contributions to underprivileged communities in Malaysia, and its clear dissociation from the actions of McDonald’s Israel.
“We are aware of the recent discussions on social media regarding McDonald’s Israel. It is crucial to clarify that the actions being referred to are those of an independent market and do not reflect the values or practices of McDonald’s Malaysia,” the statement read.
This clarification comes in response to growing concerns on social media and beyond, as McDonald’s Israel’s decision has sparked a heated debate about the intersection of business and politics, particularly in a region with a complex geopolitical situation. Some have questioned whether McDonald’s Israel’s initiative could be perceived as taking sides in the conflict, potentially alienating customers with differing views.
Dissociation from McDonald’s Israel
However, McDonald’s Malaysia made it clear that the unilateral decision by an individual franchisee in Israel should not be considered a global action, company policy, or an official political stance taken by McDonald’s worldwide. The actions of the McDonald’s operator in Israel serve as an example of such individual actions; they were not global decisions and were not approved by any other local operators.
“Since its acquisition by Lionhorn Pte. Ltd. under the Reza Group companies from Saudi Arabia in 2017, McDonald’s Malaysia has been a 100% Muslim-owned entity,” the statement continued. “Since then, McDonald’s has contributed Zakat payments and continues to do so every year. As of 2023, we have contributed over RM12 million in Zakat payments to 14 states across Malaysia, supporting underprivileged communities.”
This emphasis on their local contributions and ownership is in line with McDonald’s Malaysia’s commitment to serving and giving back to the communities in which they operate, in addition to employing thousands of local talents and investing in the local economy and community.
Calls for a McDonald’s boycott
The controversy surrounding McDonald’s Israel’s decision has led to calls for a McDonald’s boycott on social media and beyond. However, the situation raises concerns about generalizing the actions of one franchise to the entire corporation, especially given the diversity of the workforce employed by McDonald’s, which includes many Malays.
The conflict that erupted on October 7th has inflicted a devastating toll on both sides, with staggering loss of life reported by Palestinian and Israeli officials. According to AFP, Hamas officials have confirmed the tragic death of at least 2,215 Palestinians, including 724 children, in Gaza since the hostilities began.
Simultaneously, Israeli officials have reported the loss of at least 1,300 lives in their nation, with the majority of casualties occurring during a recent attack by Hamas. This grim tally underscores the profound human cost of the ongoing conflict, igniting international concerns for an immediate ceasefire and lasting peace in the region.
Jimmy Tan
