KUALA LUMPUR—Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, has passed away.
In an Instagram story, his son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, announced that his father-in-law passed away at the National Heart Institute at 7.10pm on Monday (April 14).
Affectionately known as Pak Lah, Abdullah became prime minister in 2003 after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad ended his 22-year tenure.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today paid tribute to Malaysia’s fifth prime minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, following news of his passing.
Describing Abdullah, fondly known as Pak Lah, as a leader of immense integrity and kindness, Anwar expressed his profound sorrow over the loss of a close friend and former political rival.
“Pak Lah was not just a leader but a statesman with a great heart, who brought a new narrative to Malaysian politics,” Anwar said in a statement.
“Despite his condition, his eyes still reflected the love and calmness that were hallmarks of his leadership,” Anwar said.
Anwar praised Abdullah’s leadership as one rooted in compassion and dedication to the nation, highlighting his reforms in the judiciary, transparency in governance, and institutional strengthening.
“With his Islam Hadhari approach, Pak Lah bridged progress and development with values, ensuring that Malaysia advanced with a human touch,” he said.
