COMMENT | The boycott of KFC, McDonald’s, and other American brands is often coloured - for or against - by racial bias.

But why not see how Malaysian companies can take over their market share? 

Many Malays support these boycotts due to the slaughter in Gaza. Thus far, some 108 KFC outlets have “temporarily” closed down.

In contrast, non-Malays usually pooh-pooh the boycotts. They may sympathise with the Palestinians but are more wary that anti-Israel emotions can easily mutate into bashing of local Chinese and Christians.

So, online comments often claim that the Malays are “stupidly” shooting themselves in the foot as the majority of staff, and even owners, of these outlets are Muslims.

“Who is going to help the workers laid off? You (the Malays) only think about the Palestinians but not your own people,” went one post.