PENANG will rename Lebuhraya Bandar Cassia to Jalan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in honour of the late former Prime Minister.
The proposal was forwarded by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and was agreed by the state executive council.
The state flag will also be flown at half-mast at all government and local authority premises as a mark of final respect for Pak Lah on Friday.
"The state is doing this in appreciation of the contributions and service of the fifth prime minister to Penang's development during his tenure from 2003 to 2009," said Chow.
He said Pak Lah's passing was a great loss to Penang and the nation as a whole.
"Non-governmental premises are also encouraged to fly the state flag at half-mast as a sign of respect for Tun," Chow said after chairing the state executive council meeting.
He described Abdullah as a proud son of Penang who was born in Bayan Lepas.
"One of his greatest "gifts" to Penang was the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge, which he announced during his presentation of the 9th Malaysia Plan in Parliament in 2003.
"The Second Penang Bridge significantly boosted economic growth between Batu Maung on the island and Bandar Cassia in Batu Kawan," he said.
He said Abdullah named Bandar Cassia on Aug 24, 2004 and obtained approval from the National Physical Planning Council through the Bandar Cassia Master Plan on Oct 26, 2004.
The Bandar Cassia name was approved by the state exco on Aug 10, 2016.
"The state government intends to continue the legacy of the late Tun by renaming Lebuhraya Bandar Cassia to Jalan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi," he said.
Abdullah, 85, was laid to rest at the Heroes' Mausoleum yesterday. – April 16, 2025
