The passing of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi represents a significant loss to the nation, with his contributions set to be fondly remembered by all Malaysians. Upon receiving the news, various Chief Ministers and Menteri Besar expressed their condolences to the family of the former Prime Minister through Facebook. Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, Melaka Chief Minister, noted that the fifth Prime Minister, known as ‘Pak Lah’, will always be recollected as a humble leader. “Personally, I am deeply affected by the passing of this statesman, whose leadership left a lasting impact on UMNO in particular, and Malaysians and the country in general. The era of Pak Lah’s leadership as the Father of Human Capital Development, and his advocacy of Islam Hadhari will continue to be remembered and cherished by all Malaysians. The state of Melaka mourns the passing of this esteemed statesman,” he said.
Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Selangor Menteri Besar, prayed for Abdullah’s soul to be among the righteous. “Pak Lah’s passing is a great loss for all of us. May Allah SWT place his soul among the faithful, insya-Allah,” he mentioned. Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli praised Abdullah’s legacy with the establishment of the five Economic Development Corridors, notably the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) during his tenure. “To this day, these corridors play an important role in spurring local economic activities and contribute to the country’s economic growth,” he added.
Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail offered his condolences to Abdullah’s family and prayed for his soul to be blessed with mercy and placed among the righteous. PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang remembered Abdullah as a calm and courteous leader who took a moderate approach during his administration. “May Allah SWT bestow His mercy upon his soul, forgive his sins, accept his good deeds, and place him among His faithful and righteous servants,” commented Abdul Hadi.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, through a statement, mentioned that Abdullah would remain etched in the nation’s history and in the people’s hearts as a dignified leader. “May Allah SWT shower His mercy and forgiveness upon Tun Abdullah’s soul and place him among the faithful and righteous. PAS also conveys our condolences to his family members and relatives, and prays that they remain strong and patient during this difficult time,” he remarked. Tun Abdullah passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at 7.10 pm, aged 85. Born on Nov 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Abdullah served as Malaysia’s Prime Minister from Oct 31, 2003, to April 3, 2009, following Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi conveyed his sincere condolences to Abdullah’s family, complimenting him as a leader of integrity and vision for the nation’s advancement. “The contributions of the late Pak Lah will continue to be remembered and appreciated. My condolences to his family. May Allah SWT place his soul amongst the righteous. Al-Fatihah,” he posted on Facebook.
Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud recalled Abdullah’s immense contributions as the fifth Prime Minister. Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar acknowledged Abdullah as a distinguished statesman known for being a people-centric leader. “Under his administration, in addition to human capital development, strengthening integrity in governance and transparency in government institutions were prioritised,” he said. Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor similarly extended his condolences to Abdullah’s family.
