KUCHING: Following the passing of national statesman Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has remembered the former prime minister as a clean, humble, and widely respected leader.
Speaking on behalf of himself and his ministry, Abdul Karim expressed his sorrow over the loss of the country’s fifth Prime Minister, who served from 2003 to 2009.
“The passing of Tun Abdullah deeply saddens us.
“He was a prime minister who was well accepted by Malaysians during his tenure, as reflected in the strong parliamentary majority he once commanded,” Abdul Karim told a press conference held at the Baitulmakmur II Building today (Apr 15).
Known affectionately as “Pak Lah”, Abdullah was praised for his soft-spoken, unassuming nature and straightforward leadership style.
“He may not have been as vocal as others, but he carried out his responsibilities with dignity,” he said.
The minister reflected on the unity that once existed under Abdullah’s leadership, noting that such harmony has since been difficult to regain amid ongoing political division.
“Today, we see what happens when there is political infighting from all directions.
“But despite all that, we still remember the late Tun Abdullah’s efforts, and we pray that his soul is blessed and placed among the righteous.”
Abdul Karim commended the decision to lay Abdullah to rest at the Makam Pahlawan, describing it as fitting given the late leader’s integrity and contributions to the country.
“When we look at our former prime ministers, I see Tun Abdullah as one of the least controversial and least associated with corruption.
“Sadly, that can’t be said for some of his successors, who, while not found guilty, have been entangled in numerous allegations,” he added.
“I never saw that in Tun Abdullah; he was a clean man and I will always remember him that way.”
Abdullah passed away last night at the age of 85, was known for his moderate leadership and for promoting Islam Hadhari (civilisational Islam), economic reforms, and administrative transparency.
