Amid a global boycott launched against companies branded as supportive of Israel, United States ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D Kagan questioned the “practical impact” of such movements, including by Malaysians.

In an interview after visiting the Malaysiakini office, he asked, “Does anyone think the boycott has led to any improvements to conditions in Gaza? If someone wants to make that argument, I am open to hearing the basis for it.”

However, Kagan reiterated...