Ex-Malaysian PM Abdullah Badawi dies at 85

KUALA LUMPUR – Former Malaysian prime minister Abdullah Badawi died on April 14, aged 85, having suffered from dementia in the last few years.

His son-in-law and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin shared the news in an Instagram story, saying that Tun Abdullah died at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur at 7.10pm.

IJN said Malaysia’s fifth prime minister, fondly known as “Pak Lah”, was admitted on the morning of April 13 after experiencing breathing issues and was under intensive care at the coronary care unit.

“Despite all medical efforts, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones,” the hospital said in a media release.

Mr Abdullah had previously been

taken ill

in April 2024 with a collapsed lung, but recovered after being hospitalised at IJN’s critical care unit.

He had succeeded Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Malaysia’s leader in 2003, and immediately won a huge mandate at the March 2004 general election, with Barisan Nasional (BN) taking 90 per cent of the seats in Parliament.

But the pendulum swung the other way in 2008, as BN lost its customary two-thirds supermajority for the first time and ceded five of Malaysia’s 13 state governments to the opposition. Amid criticism of his leadership from Dr Mahathir, he resigned in April 2009 to allow his then deputy Najib Razak to take over.

The Umno-led BN never recovered from the 2008 setback, ceding more ground until it was eventually defeated in 2018 by a Mahathir-led Pakatan Harapan alliance.

Despite his sudden fall from grace, Mr Abdullah was widely seen as a premier with good intentions, but undone by growing disenchantment with the political patronage practised within BN.

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, in his tribute to Mr Abdullah on Facebook, said he was sad to learn of the former premier’s passing.

“During his six years as Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah made significant contributions to Malaysia’s social and economic development. He was a respected leader who helped Asean stand tall in the world.

“Singapore was fortunate to count Tun Abdullah as a friend. We deepened cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as the development of Iskandar Malaysia, and made good progress on bilateral issues. This laid the strong foundation for our countries’ excellent ties today.

“My deepest condolences to the people of Malaysia for their loss.”

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his tribute to Mr Abdullah, said the former leader “taught us the meaning of humanity in leadership”.

“Pak Lah was not just a leader but a noble soul, who brought a new narrative to the politics of power in Malaysia,” Datuk Seri Anwar said in a statement, expressing his sorrow over the loss of a close friend and former political rival.

Former Transparency International Malaysia president Akhbar Satar, who now leads the Malaysian Integrity and Governance Society, said in televised remarks: “He (Mr Abdullah) was the first prime minister to prioritise issues of integrity. To him, corruption was the mother of all problems.”

Former prime minister Najib described Mr Abdullah as a “friend, mentor and respected leader” whose “leadership was not only grounded on accountability but also prioritised excellence”.

Mr Abdullah leaves his wife Jeanne Abdullah, and two children – Ms Nori and Tan Sri Kamaluddin – from his first wife Endon Mahmood, who died of breast cancer in 2005. He also had two stepchildren, Ms Nadiah Kimie and Ms Nadene Kimie, from Tun Jeanne’s previous marriage.

According to Mr Khairy, those who wish to pay their last respects may do so from 11am to 1pm on April 15 as Mr Abdullah lies in state at the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, before being laid to rest at the Heroes’ Mausoleum at the same mosque.