From calling out the decay within Umno, to championing progressive Islam and the environment – Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi touched the lives of many during his seven years as Malaysia’s 5th prime minister (2003-2009).
Fondly known as Pak Lah, Abdullah passed away this evening (7.10pm) at the National Heart Institute (IJN). He was 85. This was confirmed by his son-in-law and former health minister, Khairy Jamaluddin.
Abdullah was admitted to IJN yesterday after experiencing breathing difficulties. He was warded at the Coronary Care Unit.
A former civil servant turned politician who eventually became prime minister, Abdullah served the nation in many ways. Born on Nov 26, 1939, in Kampung Perlis, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, he graduated with a B.A. (Hons) in Islamic Studies in 1964. Upon graduating, Abdullah joined the civil service as an assistant secretary in the Public Services Department.
In 1978, Abdullah resigned from government service to pursue a political career, en route to the top post.
Having earned the reputation of being ‘Mr Clean’, Abdullah saw both the bright and dark sides of Barisan Nasional (BN). He led BN to a massive victory in the 2004 general election, but also witnessed its downfall in the following GE when it lost its two-thirds majority.
Before leaving Putrajaya, the “accidental PM” had pushed for several reforms, including the repeal of the Internal Security Act; the creation of a Judicial Appointments Commission to ensure greater transparency and wider representation in judicial appointments; the rebranding of the Anti-Corruption Agency to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission; the establishment of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission; and the Special Taskforce to Facilitate Business (Pemudah).
Known as Malaysia’s “Father of Human Capital Development”, Abdullah also introduced the National Integrity Plan – a master plan to nurture an ethical Malaysian society. He initiated economic corridors, starting with Iskandar Malaysia in Johor. In rejuvenating the economy while balancing development, Abdullah also promoted the halal industry, now worth billions of ringgit.
Beyond politics, Abdullah championed a moderate and progressive Islamic civilisation through Islam Hadhari. To encourage healthy living, he launched the anti-smoking ‘Tak Nak’ campaign. He also prioritised environmental conservation, allocating large sums of money to preserve the nation’s greenery.
Twentytwo13 takes a look at some of Abdullah’s quotes – many of which remain relevant today:
1. “I kindly ask for your cooperation in praying that I remain healthy and am constantly guided, so that I may bring goodness to all the races in this country.” – Oath of office, Oct 31, 2003
2. “Democracy will flourish if all its participants behave responsibly. Democracy does not mean absolute freedom. Issues that inflame religious, racial and cultural sentiments should not be sensationalised, while attempts to undermine national security and public order must be dealt with firmly.” – Motion of thanks to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in Dewan Rakyat, Nov 3, 2003
3. “Islam Hadhari is an interpretation of Islam based on development aimed at the building of civilisation. It is also the practice of Islam as a belief system that focuses on improving the quality of life, whether in terms of knowledge, physical and human development, health, as well as economic and financial systems.” – Launch of Islam Hadhari, Jan 30, 2004
4. “I would also like to state that Islam Hadhari is entirely consistent with democracy because Islam Hadhari is all about living peacefully and respecting each other in society. The approach is consistent with the democratic principles stipulated by John Dewey, the democracy guru, who in his book ‘Democracy and Education’ spoke of the democratic way of life as requiring that ‘each has to refer his own action to that of others, and to consider the action of others to give point and direction to his own’.” – Asia Society of Australia, Sydney, April 8, 2005
5. “Awareness of the importance of forest resources among the general public is something we must cultivate, especially among our children. As the next generation and the nation’s hope, our children must continue the efforts to preserve our forest resources so that the environment can be protected and enjoyed by all.” – Launch of the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok, Sabah, Aug 10, 2007
6. “A system is only as good as the people who operate within it, and I am confident that our judges will rise to the occasion.” – 21st LawAsia Conference, Kuala Lumpur, Oct 29, 2008
7. “We (Umno) are facing a situation where trust has been eroded, due in part to several internal factors. Firstly, after having become comfortable from being in power for a long time, some Umno leaders are no longer close to the people, who have all this while been the grassroots foundation of Umno’s strength. Second, there has been an imbalanced focus on rural communities in the pursuit and eagerness to achieve developed nation status on the global stage. Umno’s political programmes have been ineffective in engaging the younger generation, apart from what has been implemented by various government institutions. Prolonged infighting, especially during internal party power struggles, has eroded the spirit of unity among members. A materialistic mindset has taken root, leading some members to become greedy and avaricious, creating a negative perception that Umno is a corrupt party.” – 59th Umno General Assembly, March 26, 2009
8. “I do believe that Islamic finance has a bright future in the global financial system. This is something that we can capitalise upon.” – Opening of the 5th World Islamic Economic Forum, Jakarta, Aug 9, 2009
