Former Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who succeeded the long-serving authoritarian leader Mahathir Mohamad and ushered in a brief era of reform, has died at the age of 85. His family confirmed his passing on Monday after a prolonged illness. Abdullah, affectionately known as “Pak Lah,” will be laid to rest on Tuesday with a state funeral.
Abdullah took office in 2003, inheriting leadership from Mahathir, whose 22-year rule was marked by strict governance. Seen as a moderate and fatherly figure, Abdullah presented a stark contrast to his predecessor, promising political reforms and greater freedoms. His softer approach was initially welcomed, leading the National Front coalition to a landslide victory in the 2004 elections.
However, his leadership was later criticized as lackluster, with detractors accusing him of failing to deliver on ambitious reform pledges. Pressure mounted after the ruling coalition’s poor performance in the 2008 elections, and relentless criticism from Mahathir who had handpicked him as successor but later turned against him forced Abdullah to step down in 2009.
Despite mixed political legacies, Abdullah was widely respected for his humility and calm demeanor. Current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was once jailed under Mahathir’s rule, praised Abdullah as a leader with “a great soul” who avoided retaliation even when attacked.
“His face was not angry, his hands did not grab at power, and his voice was never raised despite relentless attacks,” Anwar wrote on Facebook, recalling Abdullah’s kindness during his own political struggles.
Neighboring Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong acknowledged Abdullah’s contributions to Malaysia’s socio-economic progress, while former Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong remembered him as a dedicated leader who worked tirelessly for his nation.
Abdullah’s tenure may have been short-lived, but his legacy as a leader who sought moderation in a politically charged era endures. His passing marks the end of an era for Malaysia, reminding the nation of a leader who, despite challenges, governed with grace and restraint.
