(FILES) Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (left) and Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (right) exchange signed documents during the launch of the Eminent Persons' Groups between both countries, in Kuala Lumpur on July 7, 2008 ahead of the D8 Summit. Former Malaysian prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who eased on political freedoms after taking over from his iron-fisted predecessor but criticised for lacklustre leadership, has died on April 14, 2025, his family said. Affectionately known as "Pak Lah" or Uncle Lah, Abdullah served as the country's fifth prime minister from 2003 until 2009 when he was was forced to resign after his ruling coalition's poor showing in general elections. - AFP
JAKARTA (Bernama): Former Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has paid a heartfelt tribute to Malaysia’s fifth prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, calling him "a true friend and a man of unwavering integrity” following his passing on Monday.
Susilo, who served from 2004 to 2014, recalled Abdullah, who was fondly known as "Pak Lah”, as a sincere and principled leader, committed to strengthening ties between Indonesia and Malaysia.
