The boycott campaign against Jewish-linked businesses and products that started in earnest in this country some seven months ago arising from the Hamas-Israel armed conflict seemed to have done its trick.
But even as the organisers and enthusiastic proponents of the boycott understandably rejoice over its resounding success, isn't it time to review its implications and decide on the next move or even re-evaluate the actual goal of the entire exercise?
Inevitably, the first question that arises is: was the “message” conveyed to the targeted businesses? In the case of McDonald's and Starbucks it would seem like the owners have had to admit that their operations and profitability had been badly hit. Checkmate!
The second question will be: did the success of the boycott here in this country impact the ongoing conflict in Gaza in any way? Of course, the answer is a big NO! But no doubt those involved in the boycott will say that it doesn't matter because now that they have made their stand known their conscience is clear. Moreover, the boycott “bug” has also caught on big time in most Islamic countries which will prompt some to claim that for once, the global Muslim community appear united!
Which brings us to the next question: for how long will they carry on with the boycott? Until the Palestinian issue is resolved? But will that ever happen? So what is the endgame? To totally kill off the enemies (read: Israeli-linked businesses) here and drive them away from our shores for good? But what about those who'll be robbed of their rice bowl?
Of course, proponents of the boycott here will quickly defend their action by downplaying its adverse effects on the country’s economy, saying that the business-owners and workers impacted by it can always find alternative ways to earn a living. Really, is it as easy as that considering the current economic situation? Try going around finding for a new job when you have a wife and three school-going kids to feed.
Nevertheless, regardless of what they may say, the harsh reality is that not only have the tentacles of the boycott “monster” snuffed out the life in Starbucks and McDonald’s but it has also gone on to sink its teeth into other innocent companies such as KFC!
Incredulously, this popular fast food chain which has been an institution in this country for more than a generation was reported to have temporarily shuttered 108 of its outlets across the country recently believed to be due to the crippling public boycott campaign here.
What is even more shocking is that KFC has no links with Israel! In fact, a local state government-linked entity Johor Corporation (JCorp), holds the largest stake in QSR, the company that oversees the KFC franchise in Malaysia as well as over 480 Pizza Hut outlets across Malaysia and Singapore. So, imagine the ramifications if the company was to go under.
In fact, according to the US-based fast food company’s website it was said to provide employment opportunities for over 30,000 employees, of whom 86 percent were Muslims; sadly though, arising from the boycott, it was reported that recently some of its outlets had reduced their operating hours from 24 hours a day to 12, severely impacting the take-home income of its workers. Apparently, this has resulted in some who used to earn around RM2,000 monthly now only being paid half of that!
But KFC aside, the boycott which was originally aimed at Starbucks and McDonald's, justifiably for their links to Israel, has also now affected others like food delivery riders and thus indirectly impacting the already hard pressed and vulnerable gig-workers group.
Additionally, besides its socio-economic impact the other real danger of boycotts is that it could also be organised by practically anyone with a malicious intent. Furthermore, given the multiracial make-up of this country, isn't there a possibility that certain parties with their own agenda resort to using boycotts as a “weapon” to hit the businesses of a particular race and create disharmony?
In fact, haven't we already seen it happening with the controversial “Allah-inscribed socks” issue involving the Chinese-owned KK Mark, who were “punished” and humiliated for hurting the sensitivities of the Muslims in the country - even before the owners were charged in court?
And what about the reported firebomb incidents relating to the said company as well as the verbal abuse that some employees of McDonald's and KFC have had to bear - even to the extent of being called “dogs” and “pigs" by those from their own religion? Wouldn't it be naive and heartless to dismiss all that as mere collateral damage?
Admittedly, while a boycott campaign may be a potent and useful tool to “get the message across” regarding one’s stand in a conflict and in this case to show solidarity with the poor, defenceless Palestinian civilians trapped in war-torn Gaza, the question that must surely be answered sooner or later is: when and where should the line be drawn - so that a business boycott doesn't morph into an unplanned economic sabotage? By the way, remember how upset we were when the European Union once “boycotted” our palm oil? Didn't they too have their own reasons for that?
Finally, based on the evidence of what has been reported in this country so far, it looks like, for as long as the ongoing anti-Israeli and other similar boycott campaigns, including that against KK Mart, are allowed to be carried out “freely” in the country, it could gradually spread unnoticed like cancer while quietly hurting the country's economy and causing certain business sectors and those dependent on that to suffer and die a silent death.
Tragically too, the misery will go on, and more could be affected, unless those in power resolve to come up with rational ways to manage this contagious man-made phenomena and mitigate its unintended effects!
Main Information Source: The Straits Times and NST.
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