GEORGE TOWN: The passing of former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is a great loss to Penang, where he grew up, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
"May all the services and contributions he made in developing the country and this state remain forever etched in the hearts of all Malaysians and the people of Penang," he said in a statement on Tuesday (April 15).
Chow also extended his condolences to Abdullah's family on behalf of the state.
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In a separate statement, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said Malaysia had lost a great statesman who contributed greatly, particularly in the area of human capital development.
"Throughout his tenure leading the government from Oct 31, 2003 to April 2, 2009, many of Tun Abdullah’s initiatives have left a lasting legacy that continues to impact the nation to this day.
"Among them is economic development focused through regional corridors, including the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), which encompasses Kedah and continues to be actively implemented to this day," he said.
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Sanusi said Abdullah also left a legacy in Islamic education, especially on the Al-Quran, Jawi, Arabic languages, and Fardu Ain.
"We pray that all the contributions and dedicated service of the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to the people and the nation will be accepted as lasting acts of charity, rewarded continuously by Allah SWT," he added.
Abdullah, 85, passed away on Monday (April 14) at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur.
