Bank sees Malaysia's PM as gold mine

In a 2012 email uncovered among the Epstein files, a partner at a major US bank wrote that Malaysia’s newly appointed prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, represented a ‘gold mine’ of opportunities for the bank. The message, sent by an unnamed associate, outlined how the bank could leverage the prime minister’s international connections to win lucrative deals and strengthen its foothold in Southeast Asia.

For Malaysians, the revelation raises concerns about foreign influence on domestic policy and the transparency of political relationships that could affect the economy and public trust.

The disclosure could fuel debate over foreign banks’ role in Malaysia’s political landscape, prompting calls for stricter oversight and greater scrutiny of behind‑the‑scenes lobbying.