Many feel a profound sense of loss

Deep sorrow: Abdullah’s son Tan Sri Kamaluddin (right) and his son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin attending the State Funeral.

KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s passing has left a profound void not only in the nation’s political history but also in the hearts of those who worked for and with him.

For his former press secretaries, Abdullah was more than just a boss. He was a gentle father figure – fondly known as Pak Lah – whose humility and sincerity shaped their most formative years in public service.