National Chambers of Commerce urges MPs to reject non-Muslim products boycott

The National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) is calling on lawmakers and all Malaysians to reject a boycott against non-Muslim products and business.

Its president, Ter Leong Yap said the boycott breeds hatred and causes disunity.

He said Malaysians should instead preserve harmony, as shown by how Muslims and non-Muslims become patrons at each other's businesses.

"Likewise, non-bumiputera partnering with bumiputera to manufacture halal products," Ter said in a statement today.

NCCIM comprise the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia, The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (MAICCI), Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) and Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).

Ter is also the chairperson of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM).

The boycott which started on social media is urging bumiputera consumers to boycott products produced by non-bumiputera businesses.

However, there is now a narrative shift that is pushing for a "Muslim first" campaign instead of an all-out boycott.

Previously Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad urged those responsible for the boycott to cease their movement to boycott non-bumiputera products as it would only cause anger.

The boycott is believed to have been spurred by some divisive issues affecting Malaysia, such as the objection of Chinese and Indian education groups against the compulsory objection of Jawi khat in vernacular schools.