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TUN Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, or more affectionately known as Pak Lah, was a leader revered for his foresight, humility, and unwavering dedication to national service who has left a lasting legacy in governance, education, and interfaith dialogue.
Here are seven notable facts about Tun Abdullah, as cited by Sinar Harian today, that may not be widely known:
1. Born into a renowned family of religious scholars
Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was born on 26 November 1939 in Kampung Perlis, Bayan Lepas, Penang. He was the eldest son in a family with deep religious roots. His father, Haji Ahmad bin Haji Abdullah Fahim, was a respected Islamic scholar in Penang and part of a distinguished lineage of ulama.
2. An alumnus of the University of Malaya
Tun Abdullah began his early education at Sekolah Kebangsaan Permatang Bertam in Kepala Batas, later continuing at Penang Methodist Boys’ School. He went on to pursue higher education at the University of Malaya, where he graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies.
3. Actively involved in student movements
Even in his youth, Tun Abdullah showed leadership qualities. He was elected as President of the Penang and Seberang Prai Malay Students’ Association in 1957 and later became the President of the Federation of Peninsular Malay Students (GPMS) in 1962. His involvement marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to public service.
4. A distinguished political career
Tun Abdullah joined the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) in 1964 and was elected Member of Parliament for Kepala Batas in 1978, a seat he held for 35 years until his retirement in 2013. Over the decades, he held various prominent roles within UMNO, including Vice President and Deputy President, before becoming the party's President in 2004.
5. Chairman and founder of key NGOs
Outside of politics, he was equally committed to civil society. He served as Chairman of the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) and was the founding patron of the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS). He also played a pivotal role in establishing the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), aimed at enhancing economic cooperation among Muslim nations.
6. Recipient of national and international honours
Throughout his life, Tun Abdullah received numerous accolades. Domestically, these included the Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara (SMN) in 2009 and the Seri Utama Mahkota Wilayah in 2010. Internationally, he was awarded the prestigious Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure by Japan and the King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam in 2011.
7. Honoured for contributions to education
His passion for knowledge was reflected in the more than 20 honorary doctorates he received from institutions in Malaysia and abroad. These include honours from the University of Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia, and the International Islamic University Malaysia, recognising his dedication to education and humanitarian work.
Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s leadership extended far beyond politics. His contributions to religious discourse, global diplomacy, and intellectual development established him as a statesman of exceptional calibre.
According to the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM), the late Tun Abdullah will be laid to rest with full state honours. His body was brought to the National Mosque (Masjid Negara) at 8:00 am, where members of the public may pay their final respects in the Main Prayer Hall from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
"The funeral prayer will be held after the Zuhr prayer at Masjid Negara, followed by burial at the Heroes’ Mausoleum (Makam Pahlawan), Masjid Negara, Kuala Lumpur," the statement read on Monday evening.
Dress codes for mourners have also been outlined. Muslim men are requested to wear black national attire with a plain black samping and a black songkok. Non-Muslim men are to wear a dark lounge suit. Muslim women are advised to wear dark-coloured baju kurung or kebaya labuh with a white scarf or head covering, while non-Muslim women are asked to dress modestly in dark colours and wear a white scarf.
"Other appropriate attire may also be worn," Sinar Harian cited JPM stating.
In a mark of respect, all buildings within a two-kilometre radius of Masjid Negara are instructed to fly the Malaysian flag at half-mast until the conclusion of the state funeral.
Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi breathed his last at 7:10 pm on Monday at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur. His passing marks the end of an era for Malaysia, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, moderation, and intellectual leadership. – April 15, 2025