Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is standing by his decision to extend the term of the country’s anti-corruption chief, Azam Baki, praising him for having the guts to go after powerful figures—including politicians—who might otherwise escape scrutiny. Anwar’s defense highlights Azam’s track record of taking on high-profile cases, framing the extension as a move to sustain momentum in Malaysia’s fight against graft.

Editor’s Note: Corruption is a huge issue in Malaysia, and leaders who actually tackle it head-on are rare. By keeping Azam in place, Anwar is signaling that he’s serious about cleaning house—even if it means ruffling feathers among the elite. For Malaysians tired of scandals and impunity, this could be a step in the right direction, but skeptics will be watching to see if the rhetoric matches real results.