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THE late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was buried this afternoon at the Makam Pahlawan (National Heroes’ Mausoleum), in a state funeral attended by Malaysia’s royalty, political leaders, dignitaries, and members of the public who gathered to pay their final respects.
Earlier, funeral prayers for the former Prime Minister were held at Masjid Negara at 1:50pm, led by the mosque’s Grand Imam, Ehsan Mohd Hosni.
The prayer service was attended by family members, current and former government leaders, and members of the public, all united in a moment of quiet reverence.
Following the prayer, the casket was borne by honour guards from the mosque’s main prayer hall to the adjacent Makam Pahlawan, where Tun Abdullah was laid to rest in accordance with the ceremonial protocols of a national burial.
The Makam Pahlawan, with its striking star-shaped vault nestled amidst manicured gardens and tropical foliage, served as the setting for a poignant farewell.
Soft light filtered through the open-air structure as mourners stood in silence to honour a man remembered for his calm leadership and emphasis on national unity.
While many of Malaysia’s revered figures are interred at the Makam Pahlawan, only a select few lie within the central vaulted chamber.
Tun Abdullah now joins the ranks of those statesmen — Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Tun Hussein Onn, and Tun Abdul Ghafar Baba — whose remains rest at the heart of this national monument.
His inclusion among these national icons affirms his place in Malaysia’s history, not only as a leader who guided the country through times of transition but as a symbol of dignity and integrity in public service.
Tun Abdullah served as Prime Minister from 2003 to 2009, during which he was often praised for his moderate approach, economic reforms, and efforts to promote Islam Hadhari — a progressive interpretation of Islam compatible with modern governance.
His death marks the end of an era for many Malaysians who remember his tenure as one marked by a gentle yet firm hand in steering the country through a rapidly changing global and domestic landscape. - April 15, 2025
