Malaysians’ regard for the entitlements of office has echoes of ancient China. Anwar Ibrahim spurning official car is like a mandarin riding on horseback

• The Malaysian prime minister says he won’t use the Mercedes-Benz limousine meant for him. This has echoes in the thrift seen under some imperial Chinese rulers
• Depending on their rank, Chinese mandarins travelled by horse and carriage, palanquin or on horseback. To show thrift, high officials would choose the latter