{
  "id": 14425563,
  "title": "Defend good leaders like Loke, don’t ask them to quit, says Anwar",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/defend-good-leaders-like-loke-dont-ask-them-to-quit-says-anwar-14425563",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T09:28:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/14/defend-good-leaders-like-loke-don-t-ask-them-to-quit-says-anwar"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended transport minister Loke Siew Fook, urging the public not to ask him to resign, at an event where the latter presented RM1,000 cash aid to taxi and school bus drivers. Anwar emphasized the importance of leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people, especially those in need of government assistance. He criticized those who think Loke should quit, suggesting that only corrupt individuals should step down. The Prime Minister explained that he told Loke to focus on his duties, as the decision on Najib Razak's house arrest was not his to make but under the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's authority. Anwar recalled the support he received from taxi drivers during the Reformasi movement in 1998, which motivated him to continue advocating for their welfare as prime minister. He reiterated his commitment to supporting taxi drivers, as evidenced by the one-off RM1,000 financial aid announced in the 2027 budget.",
  "summary": "Anwar Ibrahim praises the transport minister's efforts to champion the interests of taxi and school bus drivers, who began receiving RM1,000 in cash aid today.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Anwar: Country needs leaders who understand people's struggles",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/anwar-country-needs-leaders-who-understand-peoples-struggles",
        "published": "2026-10-14T08:19:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Why should a good man go when the corrupt stay? Anwar says Malaysia needs ministers like Anthony Loke",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/why-should-a-good-man-go-when-the-corrupt-stay-anwar-says-malaysia",
        "published": "2026-10-14T08:38:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Pemimpin seperti Loke perlu dipertahan, bukan diminta berhenti, kata Anwar",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/pemimpin-seperti-loke-perlu-dipertahan-bukan-diminta-berhenti-kata",
        "published": "2026-10-14T08:49:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malaysiakini",
        "title": "'Stay': Anwar doubles down on Loke as storm clouds gather over Najib's parade",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/stay-anwar-doubles-down-on-loke-as-storm-clouds-gather-over-najibs",
        "published": "2026-10-14T10:55:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}