In a brief statement issued on February 1, 2026, Anwar said he had only recently become aware of claims that an unnamed individual had sought to arrange a meeting around 2012 and had included his name in related correspondence. He clarified that the reference to his name was made without his knowledge or consent and stressed that he had no relationship or interaction with Epstein or anyone connected to the case.
Anwar emphasised that the time period mentioned in the alleged correspondence dates back nearly 14 years, during which he maintained no contact with the individuals said to be involved. He described the claims as unfounded and said there was no factual basis to link him to the matter. The prime minister also signalled that the issue required no further elaboration, indicating that he considered the explanation sufficient to address the allegations.
The clarification followed demands from Bersatu’s Communications and Media Director, Na’im Brundage, who had called on Anwar to explain whether he had any dealings with Epstein or individuals named in documents commonly referred to as the “Epstein Files”. Na’im also raised questions about assertions that Anwar’s potential leadership position at the time was viewed as a strategic financial opportunity by foreign institutions.
According to Na’im, his party regarded disclosures linked to documents from the United States Department of Justice as a serious matter. He cited a document carrying a specific reference code, which allegedly recorded a discussion about a plan to arrange a private meeting between Epstein and an individual said to have close ties with Anwar in 2012. Bersatu argued that these claims warranted public clarification due to their potential implications.
Anwar’s response sought to draw a clear line between unverified claims and established facts. He reiterated that merely citing a person’s name in correspondence does not imply consent, involvement, or awareness, and warned against attempts to politicise speculative material.
The episode comes amid heightened political scrutiny, with Anwar’s office maintaining that allegations lacking direct evidence should not distract from governance and national priorities.
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