MALAYSIANS are united in slamming United States President Donald Trump for his support of Israel, when he recently recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Hip-hop singer, songwriter and composer Ariz Ramli, a.k.a. Caprice, has been vocal in opposing Zionism from the start, being the widely-read son of a Malaysian diplomat.
However, Caprice has also criticised Malaysians who are quick to accuse their fellow citizens and reputable companies for being pro-Israel without proof.
“The recent calls by certain individuals to boycott McDonald’s is a sad example of this,” said Caprice on Monday.
“The famous brand’s association with Israel is based on heresay, but the fact that so many people believed it and stayed away from its fast food restaurants reflect badly on us,” he said.
Caprice posted a viral video on his Instagram account showing Malaysians who refused to pay for food that they had ordered from McDonald’s restaurants.
In his caption, he said it was unbecoming of Malaysians to slander and ridicule the company, which had denied funding Jewish settlements in occupied Palestine.
“McDonald’s has refuted all allegations against it. Malaysians ought to read more about the company instead of believing malicious rumours.
“As far as I know, the fast food company has provided employment for hundreds of Malaysians, and they include university students and disabled people.”
McDonald’s restaurants in Malaysia and Singapore are owned by the Lionhorn company of Saudi Arabia, which has joined Malaysia in opposing Trump’s move.
In 2013, the company turned down an offer by Tel Aviv to open restaurants in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
McDonald’s Malaysia recently issued a statement saying that it would take legal action against individuals who accused it of supporting Israel and the oppression of Palestinians.
Caprice lamented that too many people believed in rumours, and as a result, companies and individuals have been wrongly accused.
“Slander is wrong, anytime and anywhere. It has destroyed the reputations of innocent people and reputable businesses, and I’ve even suffered as a result of it,” he said.
“When I did my own music video for the song Chikaro six years ago, some individuals accused me of indulging in immoral acts, such as boozing and partying with women in skimpy clothes. That was rubbish — thank God I proved them wrong!”