In Putrajaya, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim once again sought to persuade Anthony Loke to stay on as transport minister. Some 40km north of the administrative capital, however, storm clouds were gathering over former premier Najib Abdul Razak’s homecoming parade.

Anwar argued that “good persons” like Loke should not be shown the door; but rather it is those tainted by corruption who must exit...

Anwar argued that “good persons” like Loke should not be shown the door; but rather it is those tainted by corruption who must exit.

The country, he stressed, needed principled leaders who cared for the people, especially those at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder.