PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has paid tribute to his predecessor, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who passed away on Monday (April 14).
In his message, Anwar reflected on his last visit to the country's fifth Prime Minister, describing it as a poignant memory.
"He was in a very frail state, and the sight tugged painfully at my heart. Yet, when our hands touched, his dimmed eyes still radiated warmth, love, and an enduring sense of peace," Anwar said.
Anwar noted that amid the often turbulent world of politics, Pak Lah was always a calming presence.
"He received me with grace and compassion, even though we had once stood on opposing sides of the political battlefield. That was the measure of a great statesman’s magnanimity," he added.
"Pak Lah was not just a leader; he was a man of noble spirit who brought a new narrative to the politics of power in Malaysia," Anwar remarked.
Affectionately known as Pak Lah, Abdullah, 85, became Prime Minister in 2003 after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad ended his 22-year tenure.
His health had declined in recent years due to dementia, affecting his memory, including the names of his family members.
Besides being known as Malaysia's "father of human capital development," Abdullah was also recognized for his Islam Hadhari concept.
Anwar highlighted that through his Islam Hadhari approach, Abdullah bridged progress and development with core values.
"Under his leadership, we witnessed reforms in the judiciary, greater transparency in governance, and the strengthening of institutions.
"He was a figure who liberated the voice of the people by opening up media spaces and encouraging public participation.
"His administration was grounded in the Ninth Malaysia Plan, which drove economic growth and focused on human capital and rural development.
"But more than all these achievements, Pak Lah taught us the essence of humanity in leadership," Anwar said.
Anwar remembered Abdullah as a leader who never showed anger, clung to power, or raised his voice in fury, even under pressure.
"I still remember during a dark and painful chapter of my own life, he never added salt to the wound with cruel words. That was Pak Lah—a man who always choose peace, even when retaliation would have been easy.
"To Tun Jeanne, his wife, their son Khairy Jamaluddin, and the entire family, I extend my heartfelt condolences. The whole nation mourns the loss of a grounded statesman.
"Farewell, Pak Lah. Malaysia is forever indebted to your service and wisdom."
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