Boycott all that are Israel? Might as well go live in caves!

 No News Is Bad News

Boycott all that are Israel? Might as well go live in caves!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VG9F0w6_-U&t=3s (Israel-Hamas conflict: What you need to know)

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6, 2023: It is mind-boggling that the Anwar Ibrahim Madani Unity Government (UG) is spending so much time and money on minding other peoples or countries’ affairs.

The countrty’s more than RM1.5 trillion national debt economy is struggling, the Ringgit’s value hits all-time lows every now and then, and low-income Malaysians are suffering.

Yet, the UG continues to run amok on the Israel-Hamas (Palestine) conflict and war with Anwar’s pro-Hamas terrorists stance inviting potential destruction to the economy.

Malaysia is now facing potential economic sanctions from the US for supporting the Hamas terrorists and Palestine Jihadists.

And Malaysian freely condemn the Iraelis as barbaric. Armed Hamas terrorists intruding Israel, shooting at will killing civilians and foreigners, and taking hostages, is not barbaric?

If your loved one/s is/are taken hostage by Hamas … what then would be your stand?

No News Is Bad News opines that both Israelis and Hamas Palestinians are equally barbaric.

So, the best stand is to remain neutral, MYOB (Mind Your Own Business), like Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world.

And pro-Palestine anti-Israel Malaysians have started calling for a boycot of all Isrtael products. That is akin to cutting off one's nose to spite one’s face.

Some have cautioned that the boycott call could have a negative impact on the Malaysian economy, such as a rise in unemployment.

And this was one comment found on Facebook:

 

Mey Lim

  · 

In today’s news , a woman was crying for help, due to the boycotting activity , the husband insisted that their 6 months old son can only consume the brand of milk powder not related to any Jewish company.

She tried several brands and her son is purging  blood, yet the husband insisted if she dares to buy any Jewish brand , he will file for a divorce ..

Alright , so you boycott McD , Starbucks , Nestle , Maggie, Coke , Microsoft, Intel , Facebook , Whatapps , Instagram, Grab and etc etc etc ~~

And ? Are you sure you can live without using any of the Jewish inventions? No computer , no medicine ，no social media ??? 

 

Such Malaysians might as well go and live in caves!

No News Is Bad News reproduces below Singapore’s Straits Times reports on why the US is irked by Anwar and his UG:

Malaysians boycott companies and goods with alleged ties to Israel, in support of Palestinians

Malaysians have held big pro-Palestine rallies, with the government designating this past week as Palestine Solidarity Week. PHOTO: REUTERS

Hazlin Hassan

Malaysia Correspondent

UPDATED

NOV 4, 2023, 10:17 PM SGT

KUALA LUMPUR – Lists of companies with alleged ties to Israel or that had purportedly pledged support to it are circulating on social media here, with Malaysians being urged to boycott them amid the Israel-Hamas war.

Among these companies are American food franchises, which are usual targets every time there is renewed conflict in Gaza due to the US government’s pro-Israel stance.

This time, however, some employees are countering the boycott calls, taking to social media to say that these boycotts are affecting their livelihoods.

Some Malaysian politicians have also urged caution in the country’s response to the conflict, in view of a possible impact on trade ties with the West.

Malaysia’s majority-Muslim population’s deep sympathy for the plight of the Palestinians – coupled with strong words by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim against the bombing of Gaza by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) that has killed thousands – have fired up those who hope to push for a ceasefire and help the Palestinians from afar. Now entering its fifth week, the conflict has killed more than 1,400 Israelis and over 9,000 Palestinians.

Malaysians have held big pro-Palestine rallies, with the government designating last week as Palestine Solidarity Week.

Other Malaysians, including celebrities, have said on social media that they need to do more than just hold protests.

Well-known Malaysian entrepreneur Vivy Yusof posted a video on Instagram, saying: “If we think we are helpless, guys, we are really not... Keep praying, keep donating, keep speaking up, keep posting, keep boycotting.”

In the post, which garnered 35,400 likes, she wrote: “I’m not a fan of boycotts, but this time, it’s literally a matter of life and death. If we keep funding the global companies that give to IDF, why would they stop – they will only care if their sales go down.”

There are different lists floating around on social media, with each showing scores of mainly consumer brands.

McDonald’s and Burger King are being targeted after their Israeli restaurants gave free meals to IDF personnel, as reported in the media. According to a Reuters report on Oct 17, McDonald’s Israel said on its social media accounts that it has given thousands of free meals to the IDF. Newsweek reported on Oct 23 that Burger King in Israel posted photos of the company donating food to Israeli solders.

McDonald’s Malaysia issued statements dissociating itself from the Israeli franchise. It said the company in Malaysia is a 100 per cent Muslim-owned entity, and that it had contributed RM1 million (S$286,000) to the Palestine Humanitarian Fund under the Prime Minister’s Department.

In an Instagram video, a deaf McDonald’s Malaysia worker named Izuan said in sign language: “It is not easy for employers to accept those with disabilities like me. I hope the boycott does not continue.”

In another video on social media, one McDonald’s employee said she was shamed for wearing her uniform in public. Another said: “My eight-year-old daughter told me that her friends said my burgers are haram (forbidden for Muslims).”

The video said the boycott was affecting 18,000 McDonald’s workers, as well as food delivery riders.

On Friday, Malaysian police said they arrested two local men over suspicions of hacking the digital menu screen of a fast-food outlet on Tuesday. Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan said the police received a report from the outlet manager saying food products had been changed to show blood, bombs, bullets and the words “Proud Sponsors of Israeli Terrorism”.

Some Malaysians are also boycotting coffee house chain Starbucks. They said the American-based chain sued its labour union in the US state of Iowa over a union social media account stating support for Palestinians, pointing to an Associated Press report dated Oct 19.

A barista at a Starbucks outlet in Malaysia who declined to be named said: “Before this boycott, we could get RM30,000 a day (in sales), but now we are lucky to get RM10,000.”

Food and beverage giant Nestle is also one of the names on the list of brands to boycott. According to news reports, it has plants in Israel.

Nestle (Malaysia), which produces food products such as Milo, Nescafe, Maggi and KitKat, said on Thursday in an e-mail response to queries from The Straits Times that its products are made in Malaysia by Malaysians.

“As a global company, we foster mutual respect and tolerance across cultures, religions and nationalities. We are deeply saddened by the current humanitarian crisis in Palestine,” it said.

“We firmly oppose all forms of violence and hope that peace will be restored soon.”

Mrs Amanda Sanusi, a 45-year-old Muslim teacher in Kuala Lumpur, said: “I boycott McDonald’s, Starbucks, Burger King, any brand that has outright declared it supports Israel.

“My children are also boycotting and will update me on any new information on brands that support Israel.”

Responding to reports of the boycott by Malaysians, Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia Walid Abu Ali told reporters on Friday: “Any measures supporting Palestine and its people are deeply valued. The boycott of Israeli products and franchises supporting Israel serves to minimise the suffering of Palestinians.”

But some have cautioned that the boycott call could have a negative impact on the Malaysian economy, such as a rise in unemployment.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Jeffrey Kitingan warned on Oct 29 that there were signs of division among Malaysians in response to Datuk Seri Anwar’s support of the Palestinian cause.

Datuk Seri Kitingan said Malaysia may have harmed its reputation and international relations with the West and was in danger of losing trade relations.

Mr Anwar on Tuesday condemned in Parliament the “relentless, indiscriminate onslaught of Israeli aggression”.

The Premier said he would continue to express the country’s position on the matter.

While he did not take a stance on the boycott calls, he said: “We are a trading nation actively engaged in regional and international commercial and economic activities, proactively reaching out for foreign direct investments to drive our economic advancement. So Malaysia is deeply and profoundly tied to what happens everywhere in the world.”

Malaysian PM Anwar joins rally in show of support for Palestinians

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said support from the United States and Europe was bolstering Israel's position. PHOTO: REUTERSUPDATED

OCT 25, 2023, 9:29 PM SGT

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim joined 16,000 pro-Palestinian supporters to condemn “barbaric” acts in the Gaza Strip, where thousands are estimated to have been killed.

The gathering in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, on Tuesday was the largest in a series of demonstrations held in Muslim-majority Malaysia in recent weeks.

More than 700 Palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli air strikes, Gaza’s Health Ministry said on Tuesday, the highest 24-hour death toll since Israel began a bombing campaign to crush Hamas militants who stunned the country with a deadly Oct 7 attack.

The Health Ministry has said at least 5,791 Palestinians have been killed in strikes since Oct 7.

Malaysia has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and has called for a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. It does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.

The gathering in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday was the largest in a series of demonstrations held in Muslim-majority Malaysia in recent weeks. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

“It’s a level of insanity to allow people to be butchered, babies to be killed, hospitals to be bombed, and schools to be destroyed... It’s the height of barbarism in this world,” Datuk Seri Anwar told the crowd gathered at an indoor stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

“We are with the Palestinian people yesterday, today and tomorrow,” he said, adding that support from the United States and Europe was bolstering Israel’s position.

Mr Anwar last week said he rejected Western pressure to condemn Hamas. He spoke to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh earlier in October and called for an immediate end to the bombardment in Gaza and the establishment of a humanitarian corridor.

United Nations agencies called “on our knees” on Tuesday for aid to be allowed unimpeded into Gaza, saying more than 20 times the current deliveries were needed after two weeks of Israeli air strikes.

Carrying Palestinian flags and banners, the demonstrators in Kuala Lumpur chanted “long live Palestine” and “down with Israel”.

Ms Nurul Anis Syafiqah Muhammad, a 20-year-old student, said she was at the gathering to protest against Israeli actions.

“This is not just about religion, it is about humanity... As humans we must be compassionate towards one another,” she said. REUTERS

Malaysian celebrities, businesses, schools express support for Palestinians

PM Anwar speaks during a pro-Palestinian rally in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Oct 24. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG

Azril Annuar

Malaysia Correspondent

UPDATED

OCT 29, 2023, 10:19 PM SGT

KUALA LUMPUR – Celebrities, businesses and even schools in Malaysia are rallying support for the Palestinian cause as the Israel-Hamas war enters its fourth week, reflecting the deep sympathies of the Muslim-majority country for the Middle Eastern community.

Roused by several peaceful protests and a solidarity concert on Tuesday headlined by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim himself, various initiatives to highlight the plight of displaced Palestinians in Gaza and raise funds for them have sprung up.

On Thursday, the Education Ministry declared a Solidarity with Palestine programme for schools, colleges and teacher training institutes that runs from Sunday to Friday.

While the stated aim of these events is to “instil humanitarian values… and create a sense of empathy for those who are suffering” regardless of creed or colour, the move has stirred some controversy.

Two government MPs, Datuk Willie Mongin and Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham, as well as more than a dozen non-governmental organisations have raised concerns about involving schoolchildren in the conflict.

“For me personally, it should not be brought to school, where students probably do not understand the issues. I am concerned that parties might try to instil hatred among our youth. We should be teaching them to have love for one another,” said Mr Ngeh.

These concerns were heightened on Friday, when videos and pictures of an unknown primary school for children with special needs, showing its teachers and pupils brandishing toy firearms while carrying Palestine flags and wearing Palestinian keffiyeh scarves, went viral.

Datuk Seri Anwar told reporters that the government will closely monitor the ministry’s programme and ensure it “doesn’t get out of control”. The Education Ministry has ordered a thorough investigation into the videos. 

Israel launched a total siege of Gaza after an Oct 7 cross-border attack on southern Israel by Palestinian militant group Hamas killed 1,400 Israelis, including numerous civilians.

At least 7,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed during weeks of bombardment by Israeli forces.

Meanwhile, Malaysians are going online to show support for the Palestinians, including top local singer Siti Nurhaliza, who has nine million followers on Instagram.

It was reported on Oct 18 that her postings have been blocked by the platform, but the singer has continued uploading pro-Palestinian messages on her account, including a post for the Special Palestinian Fund that has received almost 18,000 likes.

Actress and businesswoman Neelofa, who has a following of 8.7 million people on Instagram, has also posted messages of support for Palestine, saying that despite an ongoing conflict now at around 60 years, Israel has not defeated the Palestinians due to Allah’s protection. The post has received more than 217,000 likes.

Local businesses are also donating a portion of their sales proceeds to the cause, including Ashanim Dress Lab, which pledged to donate 10 per cent of the sales from its Palestine headscarf line to the Palestine Humanitarian Fund.

Deputy Finance Minister Steven Sim has asked Malaysians to purchase Palestinian products as a sign of support.

“I cannot afford to fight in Gaza, but every year I buy Palestinian products such as olive oil and dates. We Malaysians need to support by buying Palestinian products,” he was quoted as saying by local daily Berita Harian.

Humanitarian group Viva Palestina chairman Musa Mohd Nordin told The Straits Times that Malaysian support mainly comes from its Malay Muslim community. The Malays make up about 60 per cent of the country’s 32-million strong population.

“The support for Palestine is seen as not only a humanitarian issue, but more importantly, a religious obligation. Palestine is home to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the third-holiest mosque for Muslims,” said Dr Musa.

Malaysia recognised the Palestine Liberation Organisation and allowed it to open an office in Kuala Lumpur in 1974.

Under Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration, it was given full diplomatic recognition in August 1982.

The country has been firm in supporting a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, even though it has no diplomatic ties with Israel.

It has also refused to label Hamas a terrorist organisation and has hosted Hamas leaders such as its politburo founding member Khaled Meshaal in 2019.

In 2011, the Palestinian Cultural Organisation Malaysia was founded in Kuala Lumpur to promote the concerns and issues of occupied Palestine, and to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation with Malaysian society.

This non-governmental organisation, however, has been described by some as an “unofficial embassy of Hamas in Malaysia”.

Friends of Palestine Network Malaysia representative Heba Abdalrahim told ST she was grateful for Malaysia’s consistent support of the Palestinian cause.

Miss Heba, a Palestinian, and her family have been in Malaysia for almost a decade. There are 2,500 Palestinian refugees residing in the country, with 30 per cent of them being students.

“Mr Anwar, like his predecessors, has played a significant role in supporting the rights of the Palestinian people.

“This support was particularly evident during the current war, where Mr Anwar swiftly facilitated humanitarian aid to Gaza, underscoring his commitment to humanitarian values,” she said.

Dr Musa said that he felt emboldened that the Palestinian cause has increasingly been taken up by the non-Muslim population.

“Several known personalities have thrown their weight behind the Palestinians, including parliamentarians, politicians, members of the church and influencers. Although there is a religious significance, it cannot be denied that the principal reason is the Palestinian struggle for freedom, justice and equality,” he said.