In a brief statement this evening, RHB said: “The individual involved is no longer employed by RHB, effective Oct 31” after the bank concluded an internal investigation into the employee’s actions.

“We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour that contravenes our code of ethics and conduct,” the bank said.

RHB did not state if the employee had been sacked or had resigned. Asked for clarification, RHB merely reiterated that the person was no longer employed by the bank.

Earlier today, the bank promised that disciplinary action would be taken if the person had breached the group’s code of ethics and conduct.

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 image posted on Facebook has since 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 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.

Police report lodged

PKR’s Tambun division has filed a report at the Ipoh police headquarters over the circulation of the graphic on social media.

Its deputy chief A Kalaimughilan was quoted by Sinar Harian as saying the image which depicted Anwar wearing the attire and a “pottu” (Hindu religious symbol) was a serious act of disrespect.

He urged the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to take action against the former bank employee to prevent a recurrence and as a lesson for the public to act more responsibly on social media.