RHB Banking Group (RHB) has found itself at the centre of a social media storm after one of its employees in Kedah allegedly shared an AI-generated image of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wearing an Israeli flag saree on her personal Facebook account.
The controversial post — which quickly went viral — drew widespread condemnation, leading the bank to issue an official statement stressing that the post did not reflect the organisation’s values or position.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, RHB said:
“RHB is aware of the social media postings allegedly made by one of our employees. We wish to emphasise that the views expressed are strictly personal and do not, in any way, represent or reflect the position of RHB Banking Group.”
The group further assured the public that it “upholds the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and respect” and is conducting a thorough internal investigation, adding that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if any breach of its Code of Ethics and Conduct is found.
Viral outrage and public apology
The staff member, later identified as Siti Nurziswanis Mohd Zain from RHB’s Kulim Barat branch, has since issued a public apology after being heavily criticised online.
According to Focus Malaysia, Siti admitted that she had re-shared the image from another account “to create public awareness,” but insisted it was not her intention to offend anyone.
“I acknowledge that this action has caused a misunderstanding, and I deeply regret it,” she wrote in her apology. “I have deleted the post in question and will be more careful in the future to avoid any similar incidents.”
She also clarified that all views expressed on her social media account were personal and not connected to her employer.
“Once again, I sincerely apologise to the Prime Minister, his supporters, and all parties who may have been affected or feel unhappy with my actions. I take full responsibility for this mistake.”
MCMC and public backlash
The incident drew the attention of digital creator Hasnul Zulkarnain, who reportedly shared screenshots of his exchanges with Siti and claimed that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had already tracked her down for questioning.
He also alleged that RHB management had reached out to him, asking that he take down his posts about the incident “on humanitarian grounds.”
Meanwhile, some supporters of the Madani government have called for a boycott of RHB Bank unless firm disciplinary action is taken against the employee.
RHB’s ongoing investigation
A spokesperson for the bank reiterated to Free Malaysia Today that internal investigations are ongoing, stressing once again that the employee’s actions do not reflect the company’s stance.
The controversy emerged shortly after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended Malaysia’s decision to invite former US President Donald Trump to the 47th ASEAN Summit, during which he claimed to have discussed sensitive issues — including the Gaza conflict — in private talks with Trump.
As of now, RHB has not disclosed what disciplinary measures, if any, will be taken, but assured the public that the matter is being handled “with utmost seriousness.”
What do you think about this controversy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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