Photo by Patrick Goh/The Edge

SHAH ALAM (March 18): McDonald’s Malaysia and BDS Malaysia will continue with the mediation process to amicably resolve the fast food chain's defamation lawsuit against the pro-Palestinian movement promoting boycotts against Israeli interests.

The mediation, which began on Monday before mediation judge Zaman Mohd Noor, will now continue up until April 30.

Datuk M Reza Hassan, who appeared for BDS, said the discussions were "very positive", but could not elaborate further as the legal process is still ongoing.

Speaking to the press after a session that lasted nearly two hours, Reza added that the mediation process is separate from the claims in the suit.

"Matters discussed in the mediation may or may not be independent to the claim," he said.

Earlier, a group of around 50 people gathered at the Shah Alam Court Complex entrance, holding placards condemning the violence in the Gaza strip.

BDS Malaysia is the Malaysian chapter of the global Palestinian-led “Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions” movement seeking action against the genocide in occupied Palestine.

It was reported that McDonald’s Malaysia, through franchise owner Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd, filed the suit against the movement in December last year for allegedly defaming them through calls for a boycott for purportedly “colluding with Israel”.

The fast-food franchise is seeking an unconditional apology from BDS and RM6 million in damages, which include RM3 million for loss of revenue, RM1.5 million for employees who were laid off, and RM1.5 million for expiry of materials.

Gerbang Alaf Restaurants is also seeking an injunction against BDS from calling for a boycott. BDS in turn has denied beginning the boycott, arguing that it was started by regular Malaysians.