PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was struck deep in his heart upon hearing that his dear friend and former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, has returned to the Almighty.
“The memory of my last visit to him remains vivid. He was frail, visibly unwell, and the sight of him in that condition was deeply moving; — “Yet as our hands touched, his fading eyes still radiated a glow of affection and an undying sense of peace,” Anwar wrote in a Facebook post today.
In the often tumultuous and suffocating world of politics, Pak Lah, as Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, was commonly known, was always a calming presence.
“He welcomed me with utmost grace and compassion, even though we had once stood on opposing sides of the political aisle.
“Such was the greatness of spirit of a true statesman.”
Anwar recollected: “Tun was far more than a leader; he was a man of deep humanity, a towering figure who brought a new narrative to political power in Malaysia.
“With his vision of Islam Hadhari, he bridged the ideals of progress and development with the values that ground our society,”
Anwar explained, under Tun’s stewardship, Malaysia witnessed significant reforms in the judiciary, greater transparency in governance, and efforts to strengthen our national institutions.
“He empowered the voice of the people through more open media spaces and public participation. His leadership was guided by the Ninth Malaysia Plan, which not only spurred economic growth but prioritised human capital and rural development”, Anwar said
Yet beyond all his achievements, what Pak Lah truly taught us was the essence of humanity in leadership.
“He led with a face free of anger, hands that did not cling to power, and a voice that never rose even when relentlessly pressured.”
Anwar said he remembers clearly, during one of the darkest and most painful chapters of his (Anwar’s) life, he never added to my suffering with cruel words or condemnation.
"Such was Pak Lah's character — always choosing peace, even when it would have been easy to retaliate."
To Tun Jeanne, his children including Khairy Jamaluddin, and the wider family, I extend my deepest condolences sincerely. The nation grieves with you for the loss of a grounded and gracious statesman.
Farewell, Pak Lah.”
Malaysia owes a profound debt of gratitude to his wisdom and service. May Allah place your soul among the righteous, forgive all your shortcomings, and grant you the eternal reward for the good you sowed throughout your life, Anwar added. – April 14, 2025
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