McDonald’s refutes claim of link to Israel

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian franchise of McDonald’s Corp said it was “disappointed” by calls on social media to boycott the fast food restaurant chain in apparent retaliation against the United States’ recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Malaysian social media users urged people to boycott various US companies following US President Donald Trump’s decision to relocate the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, a city important to both Israelis and Muslims.

Twitter user TheUsopIbrahim, without citing sources, said USheadquartered McDonald’s “channelled funds to Israel”.

The post has been retweeted 320 times and “liked” 138 times. TheUsopIbrahim did not respond to a request for comment.

McDonald’s Malaysia, in a statement on Facebook on Saturday, said the chain did not support or engage in any political or religious conflicts.

“The claim that McDonald’s channels funds to Israel is a false accusation, a lie, fake and slanderous. The charges made by an irresponsible party in (Facebook’s) Whatsapp messages are also unsubstantiated,” said Azmir Jaafar, managing director and operating partner of franchisee Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd, without specifying any social media posts.

He said Gerbang’s largest shareholder was Muslim.

The Malaysian and Singaporean franchise rights were bought by Saudi Arabia’s Lionhorn Pte Ltd a year ago, as part of the US parent’s strategy of moving away from direct ownership in Asia.

On Friday, protesters condemned the US action, burning an effigy of Trump in front of the US embassy here. Reuters