The breed, also known as Continental Toy Spaniel, Phalene, Epagneul nain Continental, Dwarf Spaniel, and Butterfly Dog, dates back to
at least early 16th century Europe.
When the non-governmental organization Transparency International hosted its
16th annual anti-corruption conference in Malaysia in
early September, one of its keynote speakers might have seemed,
at least on the surface, to be an unusual choice.