KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat observed a moment of silence on Monday (May 5) to mourn the passing of Malaysia’s fifth prime minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul told the Dewan Rakyat that the former prime minister passed away on April 14, and that Abdullah was a statesman who had contributed immensely to Malaysia.
“The passing of Abdullah is a significant loss, one that is felt by all levels of society.
“I, the Speaker of the Dewan Negara, along with MPs and Senators, as well as the Malaysian Parliament, express our deepest condolences to all members of the late Abdullah’s family.
“May his soul be blessed by Allah and placed with the righteous,” said Johari in his opening remarks in the Parliament’s special sitting, discussing the impact of US tariffs on the country.
Johari then invited those in the august house to observe a minute of silence for Abdullah.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Abdullah has made significant contributions to Malaysia, particularly in his efforts to reform Parliament.
“He will be forever remembered.
“Abdullah was laid to rest at Makam Pahlawan with full state honours. The government and Malaysians express condolences to Abdullah and his family,” said Anwar.
Abdullah passed away at the age of 85, having served as prime minister in 2003 after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad concluded his 22-year tenure.
He earned the title of Malaysia’s “father of human capital development” after introducing the National Human Capital Policy as prime minister.
