What will Malaysians and people do against RHB and companies that try to control the RIGHTS and Freedoms of their employees, here an employee that have acted according their conscience in allegedly expressing displeasure against those in support of (or seen to be in support) of ISRAEL Zionist Regime, and/or their supporters who supply arms/finances/etc that enable Israel to continue its UNJUSTIFIED persecution and killing of Palestinians?
Our rights and freedoms as a human being CANNOT AND SHOULD NOT BE CONTROLLED OR SUPPRESSED by EMPLOYERS - We are not 'slaves' compelled to do whatever the Employer wants us or allows us to do outside our working hours generally. Workers in a MADANI owned company too are free to criticize PM Anwar and the government, and support the Opposition - even campaign for the Opposition and even vote for the Opposition - so why did RHB act in the way it did?
The State may not ACT or be SLOW to ACT against RHB or such Employers but the people must never be denied the basic rights and freedoms...to express their views/opinions on any issues.
We note that even ERA FM did not terminate employees that 'mocked' another religion's practices - despite it being an obvious crime in Malaysia.
If what this RHB employee did was against the LAW - it is the State, and only the State that can take action - NEVER the Employer like RHB. Maybe Anwar or Israel may take legal action against her - but not RHB.
Many believe that our PM Anwar and his MADANI government may have unknowingly changed Malaysia's STRONG position on Palestine, that was clear before Anwar Ibrahim.
Now, Malaysia has 'weakened' its stance - more so since it ignored calls of BOYCOTT against arm suppliers and 'financiers' of the Israel Zionist regime - BlackRock, Boeing and now the US(the undisputed strongest supporter and arms supplier to the Israel Zionist regime who have faithfully used their VETO power to block the United Nations from taking serious action against the Israel Zionist Regime - who by the way has not heeded even the UN calls...
SO, why should RHB, her employer react as such - even wanting to commence disciplinary action - WHY? WHY?
People heeding various calls have boycotted Brands that have supported the Israel Zionist Regime - and this has included many such companies that operate in Malaysia directly or under franchise held by some Malaysians...Should we consider any action against RHB
RHB claimed that 'As it is, Madani backers have gone as far as threatening a boycott on the RHB Banking Group unless stern action is taken against the errant staff.' - are you sure they were not persons in the employ/control of Anwar, the Madani Government, US or even Israel - noting the recent Malaysiakini’s claim over the existence of a coordinated astroturfing network of 263 Facebook accounts artificially boosting support for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim? - Investigation: Network of 263 'cybertroopers' spurs Anwar's FB support (Malaysiakini, 30/9/2025)
RHB's 'TERMINATION' of an EMPLOYEE issue?
Did RHB just 'terminate' an employee [or compel/force her to quit] because she posted (not during working hours(I presume)) most probably a 'graphic' of Anwar 'dressed' in Israeli flag? Even if she did during working hours, it matters not UNLESS RHB has it as a 'misconduct' that no employee can use handphones, computer during work hours to do anything online
Sadly, it is the RHB Bank here - not some US or US linked companies operating in Malaysia > How the PEOPLE respond is important - will it be a "warning' showing our DISAPPROVAL of such employers, for silence or 'non-response' may send the 'wrong message' - i.e. it is OK for EMPLOYERS to control their employee's freedom and rights in ALL areas of their life - not just the workplace or on employment related activities.
WHY? Because an employee can ONLY be terminated if he committed a SERIOUS employment misconduct that warrants dismissal - most employment misconduct only results in other penalties - not TERMINATION.
Another reason is if an Employee commits a SERIOUS Breach of Contract - referring to the Employment Contract and/or the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Union and Employer..
Was it an serious employment misconduct for an employee to post or 'forward' a graphic of the Prime Minister wearing an Israeli Flag?
Was it a breach of contract for an employee to post a graphic of the Prime Minister wearing an Isreali Flag?
Will it soon be a justification to 'terminate' workers that do not support the MADANI government, or vote against...?
What amounts to a EMPLOYMENT MISCONDUCT or a SERIOUS BREACH OF CONTRACT must be agreed by both Employer and Employee - was it? Any new Misconduct and Wrongs cannot be added on by the employer as he/she pleases - it must again be agreed by the employee specifically - that's why in most companies, when the employer add a NEW misconduct or a NEW condition, it is circulated to employees so they can read, understand and AGREE specifically - by signing it. A mere NOTICE on the Board is insufficient - there must be an actual agreement by the employee.
So, RHB is claiming that it was a ' breach of the group’s code of ethics and conduct' - so, the question is WHAT provision in the Code of Ethics and Conducts exactly? Will RHB tell us... And more importantly did the employee AGREE to follow this Code of Ethics and Conduct?
If there are such provisions in Employment Agreement, should Malaysia not pass laws making such provisions ILLEGAL - or does the MADANI government approve of such provisions allowing Employers to restrict worker's freedoms and rights outside the workplace, and not directly linked to their employment? Do workers now required to follow the Company's position and maybe even VOTE as the company wants them to? Can a EMPLOYER take a position that a worker will be terminated if they CONSUME Alcohol outside working hours? NO, they cannot - they may be allowed to set reasonable rules as to what can or cannot be done at the workplace or during working hours - but to think that EMPLOYERS can also control our life and choices outside office hours is ABSURD.
THE RIGHT WAY OF DOING THINGS
- A 'Show Cause' letter alleging that there has been a specific breach which provisions of RHB's Code of Ethics and Conduct by the employee's 'out of working hours' action of freedom of expression? It is ODD if an employer can control actions of employees outside working hours, and not connected directly to work. But, we shall see...we shall see if RHB choses to explain...
- After a SHOW CAUSE letter is issued - which tells an employee what exactly he did wrong. The employee can choose to answer or not. If answer, then it is to usually deny that there was any breach of contract or serious misconduct committed...
- Then, we will have a DOMESTIC INQUIRY - presided by an Independent Tribunal who will at the end of the day decide whether the Employee committed an employment misconduct OR a breach of contract, and if yes, the Tribunal/Panel will recommend sentence - be it a warning, fine, pay cut, freeze on promotion - or dismissal. It is like a trial - where the accussed employee can also cross-examine the employer's witness, and even bring in his/her own witnesses - The employee rightly and justly can be represented by a lawyer(unless RHB denied that right)
- Now, posting of a 'graphic' is, I believe may no more be a crime - and, thus we see any movement by law enforcement to go arrest the said employee, or commence any investigation - SO, IS RHB 'OVER-REACTING' OR HAVING A 'KNEE-jerk REACTION? ,,,Maybe RHB just did not want to get into the bad books of PM Anwar Ibrahim...and/or ISRAEL????
As it is, Madani backers have gone as far as threatening a boycott on the RHB Banking Group unless stern action is taken against the errant staff.
How can RHB event call her an ERRANT staff - is that not pre-judgment. By using the phrase 'errant staff' - RHB seems to have taken the position that she is already an employee that committed some serious wrong - that decision can be made after at least a 'domestic inquiry' or a court proceeding. Remember PRESUMPTION of innocence - no one becomes a CRIMINAL until tried and convicted by court. Likewise, no one becomes an 'errant staff' until tried and 'convicted' proven that she has committed some serious employment misconduct...
If the employee now SUES RHB for defamation because it called her an 'errant staff' - the staff may win in court.
So now, that RHB seems to have got rid said employee -
Suddenly, we hear that the said employee is NO MORE an employee of RHB. What happened - did RHB terminate him? Or did RHB 'pressure/force' him to RESIGN - but this too will be wrong and may be considered WRONGFUL TERMINATION.
RHB Group appears to have terminated one of its employees after a doctored image of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in an outfit bearing the Israel flag was shared on social media.In a statement on its Facebook today, RHB Group said the employee is "no longer employed by RHB," effective today. - NST, 31/10/2025
It is sad that Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim failed to comment in defence of worker rights - His words as Minister in charge of WORKERS would have mattered - can any employer terminate or 'force' resignation because of this...
Many have been pushing the GOVERNMENT to legislate on this matter - What can be considered employment misconduct, and what not? What can of misconduct can justify TERMINATION and what cannot. This is NEEDED to prevent worker ABUSE - because in an employment agreement, the Employer is almighty and can impose all kinds of 'misconduct' and the employee(the weaker party) is not in the position to be able to object to any UNJUST misconduct - for the employee just wants a job - and will sign any agreement to get a JOB. That is WHY the government should step in to protect workers - and say what can be a MISCONDUCT, and what cannot be a MISCONDUCT.
Similarly, the government must enact a law on Domestic Inquiry - its procedures, including the right of any worker to be represented by a lawyer > now that right can be denied because the worker had been 'forced' to sign an agreement relinquishing his/her right to be represented by a lawyer, a union representative or some other of his/her choice. [Of late, a National Union too could not send a rep to represent the worker in a Domestic Agreement because the worker/union had signed an agreement that only allowed the worker to be represented by a fellow worker in the same factory). Minister Steven Sim, the right to be able to be represented by a lawyer even in domestic inquiry is a fundamental right...
Where is ANWAR IBRAHIM - this woman has already apologized, is it not ENOUGH?
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians to move on from the Era FM DJs video controversy and focus on maintaining stability and racial harmony instead....Azad, who appeared in a video performing dances and movements that mocked a religious practice, also admitted his mistake and said that the group accepts all criticism to improve themselves.- NST, 12/3/2025
In this case too, WHY is Anwar Ibrahim not intervening to ask RHB to immediately REINSTATE
Meanwhile, the Kulim Barat staff who identified herself as Siti Nurziswanis Mohd Zain has apologised to PMX for having re-posted the damning image from “the account of putsz”.“I would like to clarify that I’ve no intention of embarrassing or offending anyone, especially PMX,” she lamented in her open apology.“I acknowledge that this action has caused a misunderstanding and I deeply regret it. I’ve since have deleted the post and will be more careful in the future to avoid any similar incidents.”How RHB treats it employees MATTERS A LOT TO PEOPLE - if they see this as an injustice against the worker, or a violation of human rights/worker rights -then the people too may react in PROTEST of RHB action - they may sell off shares, close accounts, organize a protest against RHB..– Oct 31, 2025, Focus Malaysia
So, RHB and any employers - do not just worry about appeasing Anwar and/or the current government - but also make sure that you ACT justly, especially to your own employees - What happens to that employee - without a job and income, how will she be able to provide for herself, her family and dependents, how will she be able to pay her monthly financial obligation - bank loans, etc - will she now end up in POVERTY because of actions of RHB?
Whether she posted it or not is not the issue - everyone has the freedom of expression, opinion and the right to participate in peaceful assembly - ARE RHB workers denied such basic human rights - do they have get RHB's consent every time they want to post/comment on line?? RHB must respect HUMAN RIGHTS - workers are NOT your slaves - and can do ONLY things outside working hours with RHB's prior approval/consent... Has RHB become WORSE that the Government - by trying to control a persons basic HUMAN RIGHTS,,
I wonder where are the Trade Unions and MTUC - this is a worker's issue....
BUT NO WORKER SHOULD BE TERMINATED JUST FOR BEING A HUMAN PERSON, A MALAYSIAN AND EXPRESSING HER OWN PERSONAL VIEW(not HER Employer's view)
SO, why TERMINATE this poor worker - RHB must immediately reinstate the said worker..
LOSS of EMPLOYMENT at this time in Malaysia is a serious matter... RHB - Act Justly.
RHB probes employee over post featuring PM in outfit bearing Israeli flag
The bank says disciplinary action will be taken if the individual had breached the group’s code of ethics and conduct.
In a brief statement, the bank said it took the matter seriously, adding that it upheld the “highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and respect”, both within and outside the workplace.
“Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken should any breach of the group’s code of ethics and conduct be established,” it said.It also emphasised that the views expressed were the employee’s personal views and did not in any way represent or reflect RHB’s position.
The post, which was uploaded on Facebook, has gone viral.
It comes days after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hit back at detractors who took issue with the government’s decision to invite US president Donald Trump to the 47th Asean Summit.
In defending the decision to invite Trump, Anwar said he was able to speak privately with the president on various issues, including attacks on Gaza by Washington’s staunch ally, Israel. - FMT, 31/10/2025
RHB in firing line after staff admittedly shared doctored image of PMX in ‘Israeli-flag saree’
- By FocusM
RHB Banking Group has come under heavy trolling after one of its staff had allegedly shared on her Facebook Story a despicable photoshopped photo of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim donning an apparently Israeli flag saree, hair wrapped with the customary tudung and a red pottu a.k.a. forehead dot.
As per screenshots of online conversation between digital creator Hasnul Zulkarnain who was in touch with the presumably opposition-slant staff, she claimed to be only ‘Story-ing’ someone else’s post “to create public awareness”.
“RHB staff Siti Nurziswanis has admitted to the Story from her FB account … this will make the job easier for MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission), PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) and #RHB management,” Hasnul penned on his FB page.
The digital creator who hails from Kuala Kangsar, Perak based on his FB profile further claimed that the “RHB boss” has even pleaded with him for a good 10 minutes seeking a favour to take down exchanges between him and the staff “on humanitarian grounds”.
“My reply was that if she were to be a sane person, it would be impossible for her to behave in that manner,” he revealed in a subsequent post along with the latest update that “MCMC has tracked down Siti RHB and will soon be taking her statements”.
On its part, RHB said it was aware of the viral social media posting while emphasised the fact that “the views expressed are strictly personal and do not in any way represent or reflect the position of RHB Banking Group”.
“We take this matter seriously and are conducting a thorough internal investigation,” it pointed out in a media statement.
“Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken should any breach of the group’s Code of Ethics and Conduct can be established.”
As it is, Madani backers have gone as far as threatening a boycott on the RHB Banking Group unless stern action is taken against the errant staff.
Meanwhile, the Kulim Barat staff who identified herself as Siti Nurziswanis Mohd Zain has apologised to PMX for having re-posted the damning image from “the account of putsz”.
“I would like to clarify that I’ve no intention of embarrassing or offending anyone, especially PMX,” she lamented in her open apology.
“I acknowledge that this action has caused a misunderstanding and I deeply regret it. I’ve since have deleted the post and will be more careful in the future to avoid any similar incidents.”
Added Siti Nurziswanis: “I would also like to emphasise that all views and posts made are from my own personal account and do not represent or have any connection with my employer.” – Oct 31, 2025, Focus Malaysia
RHB terminates employee over doctored image of Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Group appears to have terminated one of its employees after a doctored image of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in an outfit bearing the Israel flag was shared on social media.
In a statement on its Facebook today, RHB Group said the employee is "no longer employed by RHB," effective today.
"At RHB, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and mutual respect across all our interactions.
"We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour that contravenes our Code of Ethics and Conduct."
RHB Group, however, did not explain whether the employee was sacked or resigned following an internal investigation into the matter.
Separately, yesterday, RHB Group pledged to conduct a thorough internal investigation and stated that disciplinary action would be taken if the employee was found to have breached the group's Code of Ethics and Conduct. - NST, 31/10/2025
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