Abdullah’s poem holds personal meaning

PETALING JAYA: A family friend of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has revealed that a poem which the Prime Minister wrote and recited in May has a deeper personal meaning than is widely known. 

Prime College founder Datin Seri Kee Ming-Yuet said the poem, entitled The Peace Within, aptly described the trials and tribulations Abdullah and his wife Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood had gone through. 

Kee pointed out that Abdullah, who recited the poem at the Utusan Melayu Malam Puisi on May 9, and Endon had found strength through religion to face these problems. 

 

The Peace within 

 

I seek the peace within 

I seek not riches untold 

To live a life of luxury; 

I seek not millions  

To live a life of plenty; 

I seek not friends so many 

To live a life of profligacy; 

I seek he who is al-Ghazali 

I seek he who is al-Shafie 

To unravel the secrets in the Holy Book 

Seeking inspiration 

To unravel the secrets in the ways of the Prophet 

Seeking guidance 

I live only for Him my Lord 

He is my Companion 

He is my Guardian 

He suffices 

I live a life full of meaning  

Immersed in the peace within. 

 

– by Pak Lah –