JAKARTA: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (pic) was a key figure in promoting Islamic civilisation and regional unity, a prominent Indonesian Muslim scholar said.
Paying tribute to Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, former Chairman of the Central Leadership of Muhammadiyah, Prof M. Din Syamsuddin, expressed deep sorrow over Abdullah’s passing, describing it as "a loss not only for Malaysia, but also for the global Muslim community and the world at large.”
Reflecting on his personal connection with the late leader, Din Syamsuddin recalled a meeting in 2014 when he led a delegation of six senior Indonesian Muslim leaders to meet Abdullah in Putrajaya.
The purpose of the visit was to encourage a peaceful resolution to the Ambalat territorial dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia with the spirit of ukhuwah Islamiyah (Islamic brotherhood), he said.
"Pak Lah, as he was fondly known, responded immediately by saying he would call President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono the next day. Our mission was accomplished in under a minute,” he said in a statement.
He added that the meeting continued with over an hour of in-depth discussion on Abdullah’s vision of Islam Hadhari, a civilisational approach to Islam that emphasises development, education and good governance.
Din Syamsuddin, who is also the former Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), said that one of Pak Lah’s insights left a lasting impression on him.
"He (Pak Lah) said Arab Muslims had fulfilled their historical responsibility, as had Persian, North African and Indian Muslims. It is now the time for Malay Muslims to rise and lead the advancement of Islamic civilisation.”
Din Syamsuddin continued, stating the Islam Hadhari concept remains highly relevant and should inspire greater unity and reform among Muslims in Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.
"May Allah bestow upon the late Abdullah Badawi His forgiveness, mercy, and paradise,” he added.
Abdullah, affectionately known as "Pak Lah”, passed away at the age of 85 at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur at 7.10 pm on Monday (April 14). - Bernama
