KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s fifth prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was a humble yet resolute leader who left a profound and lasting legacy, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
The Deputy Works Minister said the entire Works Ministry fraternity extended its deepest condolences to the family of Abdullah.
Ahmad, who is also a four-term Pontian MP, expressed profound sorrow at Abdullah's passing, crediting the late statesman for a pivotal moment in his political career.
“It was during his tenure as Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman that he signed the appointment letter allowing me to contest in Pontian in 2008,” he told the media at Masjid Negara here on Tuesday (April 15).
He also remembered the overwhelming mandate that Abdullah received in the 2004 general election, calling it “one of the biggest electoral victories in Malaysian history.”
“Although his time as prime minister was not long, the impact he left on the nation is undeniable.
“We are deeply saddened by his passing. He was a leader who was modest but firm in his efforts to develop the nation, particularly during his tenure as deputy prime minister and prime minister,” he added.
He highlighted that one of Abdullah’s most enduring legacies was his emphasis on human capital development.
“One of the key contributions that left a lasting impact on the country was the concept of modal insan (human capital), which was prioritised during his administration.
“A nation is not built solely on infrastructure such as buildings and roads, but more importantly, on its people,” he said.
Ahmad also recalled Abdullah’s introduction of the Islam Hadhari approach, which promoted a progressive interpretation of Islam that brought about civilisation and advancement for Malaysians.
“In addition to that, he coined a slogan that remains etched in the minds of Malaysians –Cemerlang, Gemilang dan Terbilang (excellent, glorious and distinguished) – symbolising how a society and a nation can rise from excellence, to glory and then to distinction,” he said.
Abdullah passed away peacefully at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at 7.10pm on Monday (April 14), surrounded by his loved ones. He was 85.
His son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin told reporters that Abdullah was calm in his final moments and that his passing was witnessed by his wife Tun Jeanne Abdullah and their family.
