THE ongoing boycott of supposed Israel-linked businesses will only hurt Malaysians, especially employees at local outlets, said new US ambassador Edgard D Kagan today.

Speaking to the media in his first press conference at the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Kagan said the two brands that are facing the boycott are owned by a Malaysian company and a Saudi entity respectively.

While he did not name the two outlets, the two popular brands that are reeling from the call for a boycott are Starbucks and McDonald’s.

Starbucks in Malaysia is owned by Berjaya Group while McDonald’s is owned by a Saudi Arabian corporation.

“I’m grateful that boycotts (in Malaysia) have been peaceful.

“I think it is unfortunate because ultimately, as most of you know, two main outlets are being boycotted. One is owned by a Malaysian and the other by Saudis.

“As a result, the people who are suffering are the Malaysian employees.

“I think there may be some symbolic satisfaction in doing that (boycotting), but ultimately the people that are hurt are not Israel, and not the US. So, in that sense, it’s unfortunate,” said Kagan.

Local organisations have called for boycotts against US and Israel-linked brands following the attacks by Israeli forces against Palestinians in Gaza.

While many brands had been targeted, McDonalds and Starbucks, which have outlets across Malaysia, suffered the biggest impact.

Kagan also said that the US government was committed to respecting peaceful assembly and protests.

“I would be lying if I said we are thrilled that people saw us as the way to express dissatisfaction with Israel.

“But I understand that is the practical reality, and we understand this reflects the sentiments of Malaysians.

“We strongly support the right of peaceful protest. And obviously, our preference would be that they do not see us as the way to express dissatisfaction with Israel because we are not Israel,” he said. – April 2, 2024.