Malaysia bids farewell to Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who passed away on April 14, 2025, at 7:10PM at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur. He was 85.
Fondly known as Pak Lah, he was a soft-spoken yet impactful leader who left a lasting mark on the country’s political and spiritual landscape.
Here are 7 things you should know about him:
1. He came from a family of religious scholars
Tun Abdullah was born on November 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Penang, into a family known for its deep Islamic roots.
His grandfather, Syeikh Abdullah Fahim, was Penang’s first mufti, while his father, Ahmad Badawi, was an Islamic educator and politician.
This strong religious foundation shaped his values and leadership style throughout his life.
2. He started his career in the civil service
Before stepping into politics, Abdullah served in several government departments, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Prime Minister’s Department.
He graduated with a degree in Islamic Studies from the University of Malaya in 1964, and spent over a decade building a career in public administration.
3. He served as MP for Kepala Batas for 35 years
Abdullah entered politics in 1978, winning the Kepala Batas parliamentary seat in Penang, a seat he would hold until 2013. During this time, he was appointed to key Cabinet positions including:
- Minister of Education
- Minister of Defence
- Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Minister of Home Affairs
In 1999, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister under Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.
4. He became Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister in 2003
When Mahathir stepped down in October 2003, Abdullah succeeded him as Prime Minister. He also took over as President of UMNO and Chairman of Barisan Nasional (BN).
His leadership style was seen as more moderate and consultative, offering a refreshing change of pace for many Malaysians at the time.
5. He led BN to a historic victory — but faced challenges later
In the 2004 general election, under Abdullah’s leadership, BN won 198 out of 219 parliamentary seats, one of the coalition’s biggest wins in history.
However, challenges followed.
Rising fuel prices, growing public dissatisfaction, and perceived delays in reforms led to BN losing its two-thirds majority in the 2008 elections. Abdullah stepped down in 2009, passing the baton to Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
6. He championed moderate Islam and clean governance
Abdullah introduced the concept of Islam Hadhari, a progressive approach to Islam that focused on development, knowledge, and tolerance.
He also launched the National Integrity Plan and later established the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to curb corruption.
His efforts reflected his desire to make Malaysia a more just, fair, and ethical society.
7. He lived a quiet life in retirement
After stepping down, Abdullah stayed out of the political spotlight.
In 2022, his family revealed that he had been diagnosed with dementia, which led to his gradual withdrawal from public life.
He was married to Tun Endon Mahmood, who passed away in 2005. In 2007, he remarried Jeanne Abdullah. He is survived by his wife, two children, and several grandchildren.
Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s leadership may not have been the loudest, but it was sincere. He believed in moderation, integrity, and putting the rakyat first, values that will continue to inspire long after his passing.
