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Kuala Lumpur’s celebratory mood in anticipation of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit from Tuesday was dampened by the passing of Malaysia’s fifth prime minister, Tun Abdullah Badawi, the previous night.
The former premier, who led the country from 2003 to 2009, was widely regarded as a gentleman politician who led with humility. Singapore’s Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, among the dignitaries who paid their last respects at the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, described his former counterpart as a man of great dedication who worked tirelessly for Malaysians.
Mr Xi’s visit, the second stop on his South-east Asian tour amid trade turbulence unleashed by US tariffs, takes centre stage today. All eyes are on what his bilateral meetings with Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will yield.
Also read about troubled waters of a different kind – how Malaysia’s looming trawler ban could change what seafood lands on Singapore’s plates.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
Abdullah Badawi: Mr Nice Guy leaves legacy of compassion, but failed to escape Mahathir’s shadow
Known for his calm demeanour, Pak Lah tried to steer Malaysia towards economic reforms and good governance.
Trump chaos could push Malaysia to embrace Xi on rare visit
While trade with the US brings tariffs, collaboration with China provides deals like the East Coast Rail Link.
Asean will not retaliate against US tariffs, say its economic ministers
How Malaysia’s looming fish trawling ban could affect your dining options
The ban is the latest in a long line of challenges for Malaysia’s fishing industry, including piracy.
Seniors were first to play pickleball in Malaysia. Now it’s so hip, even hotels offer it
There are some 500 courts now, including cutting-edge facilities featuring AI-powered gameplay analysis.
Book review: Kelantan-born writer Fatimah Busu’s hard-to-find short stories are magical
