Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, passed away at the age of 85 due to heart disease. Known as “Pak Lah,” he was admitted to Kuala Lumpur’s State Institute of Heart on April 13, 2025, after experiencing breathing difficulties. Despite the efforts of a team of cardiac specialists, he passed away on April 14, 2025, at 7:10 p.m.
Abdullah, Malaysia’s fifth leader, served from 2003 to 2009, succeeding Mahathir Mohamad. Initially popular for his promises of institutional reforms and moderate Islam, Abdullah faced criticism for his lackluster leadership and failure to deliver on key promises.
During his time in office, Abdullah introduced limited political freedoms and allowed for a more critical media landscape. However, he struggled to combat corruption and strengthen key institutions, leading to a decline in public support.
In the 2008 general election, Abdullah’s National Front suffered a significant defeat, prompting calls for his resignation. He eventually stepped down in 2009, passing the leadership to his deputy, Najib Razak.
Abdullah’s legacy is mixed, with some praising his efforts to promote freedom of speech while others criticize his leadership style and policy failures. His passing marks the end of an era in Malaysian politics.
Abdullah’s contributions and controversies will be remembered as Malaysia continues to navigate its political landscape in the post-Abdullah era.
Published – April 15, 2025 09:31 am IST
