16/04/2025

WEDNESDAY | APR 16, 2025

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Remembering Pak Lah’s legacy of harmony, integrity , reform

Najib, Ismail Sabri pay tributes to Abdullah KUALA LUMPUR: Two former prime ministers paid tribute to the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, reflecting on their time serving under his administration, and sharing personal memories of his leadership. Describing the late Abdullah as a friend and mentor, Datuk Seri Najib Razak recalled him as a guiding figure, whose advice and leadership deeply influenced his own journey. Najib, who succeeded Abdullah as Malaysia’s sixth prime minister, admired his predecessor’s governance style, which was anchored in accountability, and a commitment to excellence in both politics and public administration. “His spirit and principles were among the key inspirations behind the formulation of the 1Malaysia concept – People First, Performance Now – which guided my administration. “On a personal level, Pak Lah was very close to our family, like an elder brother and loyal friend through all of life’s ups and downs. “Pak Lah will always be remembered for his immense contributions to religion, race and country. He was a noble soul. My heartfelt condolences to all members of Pak Lah’s family and friends,” Najib wrote in a Facebook post. Najib served as the deputy prime minister under Abdullah’s leadership from Jan 7, 2004, to April 3, 2009. Meanwhile, the country’s ninth prime minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, described Abdullah as a father figure, who nurtured and guided him in both politics and governance throughout his rise in public service. “I am deeply indebted to Pak Lah, who gave me the opportunity to contest the Bera parliamentary seat in 2004, and later entrusted me with the responsibility as minister of youth and sports in 2008. “The nation mourns this great loss. He was a statesman who dedicated his life to the service of religion, race and the country. His contributions are deeply appreciated, especially by me,” Ismail Sabri said in a tribute on Facebook. – Bernama Second Penang Bridge was biggest gift to state GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia benefitted significantly from the contributions of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, especially his home state Penang. One of the biggest gifts Pak Lah gave to the people of Penang is the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge, also known as the Second Penang Bridge. It is undoubtedly Pak Lah’s biggest gift to the people of Penang, and he announced the project in Parliament in 2003 as part of the Ninth Malaysia Plan. The 24km bridge, costing RM4.5 billion, went on to not only reduce congestion at the Penang Bridge, but also spur economic growth in the industrial zone of Batu Kawan since its opening. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described Abdullah’s passing as a great loss to the country, and Penang especially, and noted that his contributions to the development of Malaysia would never be forgotten. “On behalf of the Penang government, I convey my condolences to the family of Malaysia’s fifth prime minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi over his passing today,” he posted on Facebook. – Bernama

o His composed, gentle leadership helped preserve political stability and fostered sense of harmony, says political analyst

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

made integrity a national priority.” On the economic front, one of Abdullah’s significant contributions was the creation of regional economic corridors, said Azmi. “He envisioned the corridors as means to bridge development gaps, especially between the East and West coasts of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as between the peninsula and East Malaysia. Today, we see tangible growth in these regions as a result of his vision.” Although he maintained a low profile after stepping down, Pak Lah is remembered not just as a political figure, but as a true statesman whose values are deeply missed. “Pak Lah was known as ‘Mr Clean’ due to his firm stance on eradicating corruption and promoting efficient governance. He was also a strong advocate for human capital development. He believed that good governance must begin at the grassroots, and that public servants should be competent, ethical and dedicated to national progress,” Azmi said. He also said Abdullah made a profound personal sacrifice when he stepped down as prime minister and handed over power to Datuk Seri Najib Razak. “He recognised the importance of a peaceful and orderly transition. More importantly, he never interfered with the government after his resignation. That is a legacy in itself, and a testament to the kind of leader he was.” working environment, particularly by introducing the five-day working week in 2004, allowing families to spend more time together. “He also contributed to raising the salaries of lower-ranked civil servants, helping to uplift many from poverty. Pak Lah was truly a gentleman,” he said. MBI Works & Buildings director Arif Mohd Zainudin, 46, described Pak Lah as a man of peace who brought a gentler approach to leadership when he replaced Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s strong-handed governance. “Being a former civil servant himself, Pak Lah always prioritised the wellbeing of government officers. One of his most critical decisions was introducing time based promotions for government doctors. This helped slow the exodus of medical professionals from the public sector,” said Arif. He also praised Pak Lah’s

PETALING JAYA: The passing of Malaysia’s fifth prime minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Monday marks the end of an era defined by moderate leadership and reformist aspirations. Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research political analyst Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said Abdullah’s most enduring legacy was his ability to maintain peace and calm amid immense political pressures during his tenure. “Abdullah was approachable and open to dialogue. His composed and gentle leadership style helped preserve political stability and fostered a sense of harmony in the country. In today’s political climate, leaders with such qualities are increasingly rare,” he told theSun . Affectionately known as Pak Lah, Abdullah took office in 2003 and quickly distinguished himself through sincerity and compassion – traits that left a lasting impression on those who experienced his leadership. Azmi said a cornerstone of his administration was Islam Hadhari, a progressive interpretation of Islam that sought to build a balanced, ethical and modern society rooted in Quranic principles. The philosophy emphasised moral excellence and integrity not only at the individual level but within institutions. “Pak Lah’s anti-corruption efforts were strongly tied to this philosophy. In addition to initiating the establishment of the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC), he PETALING JAYA: Remembered as a humble and soft-spoken leader, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, as the country’s fifth prime minister, led the country with integrity and conviction. As news of his passing broke, theSun spoke to members of the public who expressed deep sorrow, fondly recalling his calm demeanour and people-centric leadership. Ipoh City Council (MBI) Ipoh Doughnut Economy Secretariat CEO Dr Zulqarnain Mohamad, 61, described his passing as “a great loss to the nation”. Reflecting on Pak Lah’s legacy, he highlighted the improvements in day-to-day Malaysian life, especially within the civil service. “Pak Lah’s most significant contribution was improving the Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Azmi said Pak Lah, as he was affectionately known, was ‘Mr Clean’ due to his firm stance on eradicating corruption and promoting efficient governance. – SUNPIC

parliamentary seats. “He applies soft diplomacy to approach any issue – prioritising consensus, negotiation and dialogue – rather than being autocratic.”

accommodating leadership style. “His approach – a ‘change in continuity’ – balanced reform with stability. His openness was evident in many of his decisions.”

Political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian described Abdullah as a leader who encouraged public participation and adopted an inclusive and Tributes pour in for ‘Mr Nice Guy’ of Malaysian politics He said Abdullah faced inevitable comparisons after taking over from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who had served for 22 years, but yet he led Barisan Nasional to a resounding victory in the 2004 General Election, winning 198 out of the then 219 Sivamuragan said while some perceive Pak Lah’s gentle approach as a weakness, it actually led towards the betterment of the nation which had nurtured a values-driven society rooted in integrity that was paramount during his tenure as PM.

administration from 2003 to 2009 focused on uplifting underdeveloped regions and rural communities, emphasising education, skill development, and public service reform. His most iconic motto when he first took office – ”Don’t work for me, work with me” – reflected his collaborative leadership style and desire to unite Malaysians in nation-building. Under the banner Cemerlang, Gemilang dan Terbilang (Excellent, Glorious, Distinguished), he championed good governance, efficient public administration and national unity. On September 11, 2022, his son-in-law and then health minister Khairy Jamaluddin publicly revealed that Abdullah had dementia, and was showing signs of cognitive decline, no longer recognising his own name or those of family members.

diplomatic prowess, cultivated during his long tenure as the country’s foreign minister, which earned him international respect. “Pak Lah was the ultimate ‘Mr Nice Guy’. He was genuinely kind and humble. I remember him saying, ‘if things can be resolved with a whisper, why shout?’ “I am deeply saddened by his passing. I consider him a great statesman. Thank you, Pak Lah for all your service to this country. May Allah grant you Jannah (heaven).” Abdullah joined Umno in 1964 and became the MP for Kepala Batas in 1978. Over the years, he held various key ministerial portfolios, including education, foreign affairs and defence, before being appointed deputy prime minister in 1999. On October 31, 2003, he was sworn in as Malaysia’s fifth prime minister. Known as the “Father of Human Capital Development,” Pak Lah’s