MALAYSIANS must boycott companies and brands linked to Israel, which is clearly committing in human rights violations in Gaza, Boycott Divestment and Sanction (BDS) Malaysia chairman Prof Dr Nazari Ismail said.

BDS is a pro-Palestinian movement for freedom, justice and equality. It upholds the principle that Palestinians are entitled to the same rights as humanity.

Inspired by the South African anti-apartheid movement, the BDS urges pressure on Israel to comply with international law.

“As an example, such companies could shed their negative image by publicly condemning the genocide. Sadly, some (firms) are reluctant to do even that.

“As a result, Malaysian consumers continue to perceive them negatively. These firms should not complain if they suffer losses and cause their workers to lose their jobs,” said the retired economic professor.

The former Universiti Malaya dean of international business studies, recalled how international efforts were instrumental in bringing down the apartheid regime in South Africa.

“Israel is now committing crimes of apartheid and genocide against the Palestinians. Boycotting Israel is a non-violent path the international community can pursue to help,” he said.

“We call for the total isolation of Israel until they meet three demands – to end its occupation of all Arab lands and dismantling the Wall; recognising the rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens; and respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN Resolution 194.”

On the boycott possibly hurting local workers, Nazari said consumers have the right to choose.

“The management team must plan strategies to ensure they are in line with the tastes, moral values and emotions of the consumers.

“Currently, many Malaysian consumers are disgusted with the genocide. Unfortunately, some firms are perceived by consumers to be directly or indirectly related,” he added.

Consumer Association of Penang chairman Mohideen Abdul Kader, who holds the same view, said a worker affected can leave and look for other job opportunities.

“To compare with the loss of lives in Palestine, losing a job is nothing. We can always look for other opportunities.

“We boycott Israel-linked goods. That is the least we can do if we support the Palestinians. Can we take up arms and fight? Surely not,” he said.

Don’t sack workers

Meanwhile, Malaysian Trades Union Congress secretary-general Kamarul Baharin said if a company is facing a boycott, it should not lay off workers.

He said the company should bear the responsibility and absorb the loss.

“The impact of Covid-19 was greater but many companies survived. This boycott is not a worldwide pandemic. So I don’t see why they need to lay off workers.

“They should absorb the loss and if needed change their policy to comply with human rights requirements,” he said.

Kamarul also agreed that consumers have the right to choose.

Asked if he has received complaints of workers being fired, Kamarul affirmed it.

“I am not sure how effective the boycott is as we don’t have the data. But we do get complaints of individuals being laid off,” he said.

Attacks in Gaza over the past month have killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, the majority being civilians – especially women and children.

Israel has illegally occupied the Palestinian territory encompassing the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem – since 1967. – November 14, 2023.