Nabil Luqman

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Pak Lah

Abudullah Ahmad Badawi

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Malaysia bids a solemn farewell to one of its most respected statesmen, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who passed away on the evening of 14 April 2025 at the age of 85. Fondly remembered as Pak Lah, he was the nation&rsquo;s fifth Prime Minister and a leader who brought a thoughtful, moderate, and inclusive approach to Malaysian politics.
His passing was confirmed by his son-in-law, former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who shared the news via Instagram. Abdullah drew his final breath at 7.10pm at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur, surrounded by his wife Tun Jeanne Abdullah and close family members.
A Leader with a Quiet Strength
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d6877c6c679c78db504e1da6cd099f7a7cb52080a5ec927906b3dfa509525dad" />
Pak Lah served as Malaysia&rsquo;s Prime Minister from 2003 to 2009, succeeding Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. During his tenure, he championed progressive Islamic values, government reform, and inclusive economic growth. Known for his mild demeanour and refusal to engage in political hostility, Abdullah led with a calm authority that resonated with many Malaysians.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described him as &ldquo;a statesman with a great heart,&rdquo; remembering the kindness he showed during turbulent political times. &ldquo;He led with nary a scowl on his face, nor a hand clutching at power, nor a raised voice despite being attacked left and right,&rdquo; Anwar wrote in tribute.
Early Life and Civil Service Roots
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7b98eb3ee2c2dee1c91898796f656cd0ca5e761055fdc0afa4c48447a3af9d3e" />
Born on 26 November 1939 in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Abdullah hailed from a family steeped in Islamic scholarship. His grandfather, Sheikh Abdullah Fahim, was Penang&rsquo;s first mufti, while his father, Ahmad Badawi, was an Islamic educator and politician. These strong spiritual foundations would guide his public service ethos throughout life.
He earned a degree in Islamic Studies from the University of Malaya in 1964 and began his career in the civil service, working in departments such as the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Department before eventually entering politics.
A Distinguished Political Career
Abdullah became Member of Parliament for Kepala Batas in 1978, a seat he held for 35 years until 2013. Over the decades, he held several prominent cabinet portfolios including Education, Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Home Affairs. In 1999, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister.
His premiership officially began in 2003. That same year, he also became UMNO President and Chairman of the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition. In the 2004 general election, Abdullah led BN to a landslide victory, securing more than 90% of parliamentary seats&mdash;a historic mandate that reflected public optimism about his leadership.
Champion of Moderation and Reform
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b25ed0ddfcc9c2c60dc196dfe4448e84e99e2e7fc04906f98415e9beb10b26c0" />
Pak Lah&rsquo;s tenure saw the introduction of Islam Hadhari, or Civilisational Islam, a concept that advocated for a progressive, moderate approach to Islam grounded in development, tolerance, and knowledge. This vision positioned Malaysia as a voice of moderation within the Muslim world, at a time when global narratives around Islam were often dominated by extremism.
Abdullah also introduced the National Integrity Plan in 2004, laying the groundwork for more transparent governance. His anti-corruption efforts led to the establishment of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in 2009, while initiatives such as PEMUDAH (Special Taskforce to Facilitate Business) sought to cut red tape and improve government efficiency.
He was also a proponent of judicial reform and civil service accountability, pushing for greater autonomy in public universities and instituting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) within government departments.
Economic Corridors and Human Capital Development
Pak Lah placed strong emphasis on balanced economic growth. He launched several regional economic corridors aimed at decentralising development and reducing inequality, including:
<ul>
<li>Iskandar Malaysia</li>
<li>Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER)</li>
<li>East Coast Economic Region (ECER)</li>
<li>Sabah Development Corridor</li>
<li>Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE)</li>
</ul>
He also prioritised investment in agriculture and small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while championing the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006&ndash;2010), which focused on rural development, poverty eradication, and innovation.
His dedication to education and skills development earned him the title Father of Human Capital Development. He believed Malaysia&rsquo;s greatest asset was its people and pursued policies that empowered youth and nurtured talent.
A Gentle Voice on the World Stage
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f473b5d473cc948121a763c5a2c055b51b4dfd1b40743f238925f3f1d1ffc3ef" />
Abdullah&rsquo;s international diplomacy was marked by balance and poise. He maintained close ties with ASEAN neighbours and was active in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), advocating for unity and peace. He played a mediating role in regional conflicts, including the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute.
His ability to represent Malaysia as a bridge between the Islamic world and the West won him quiet but widespread respect abroad.
A Final Farewell
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8e7c1b8c15774d916d4906127e94cb0af79783fc8e3069329b42da25d66d7205" />
The Malaysian government has accorded Abdullah a state funeral. His body will lie in state at the National Mosque (Masjid Negara) on the morning of 15 April. The public may pay their respects between 11am and 1pm. After the Zuhur prayers, he will be buried at the National Heroes&rsquo; Mausoleum (Makam Pahlawan), near the mosque.
All buildings within a two-kilometre radius of Masjid Negara have been instructed to fly the Jalur Gemilang at half-mast until the conclusion of the funeral. Dress codes have been issued for mourners of all faiths, emphasising decorum and respect.
His leadership, characterised by humility, sincerity, and moral clarity, remains a poignant chapter in Malaysia&rsquo;s history. While not the most forceful of figures, Pak Lah was a steady hand who led with conscience rather than charisma&mdash;and it is this quality that so many Malaysians now hold dear.
Thank you, Pak Lah. May you rest in peace. Your vision, values, and unwavering integrity will never be forgotten.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Malaysia Mourns Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi: A Legacy Of Gentle Strength & Visionary Leadership

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Malaysia Mourns Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi: A Legacy Of Gentle Strength & Visionary Leadership

Rest well, Pak Lah.

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