Saturday, 17 May 2025

Tun Abdullah – clean, humble and widely respected leader

Facebook
X
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

LET’S READ SUARA SARAWAK/ NEW SARAWAK TRIBUNE E-PAPER FOR FREE AS ​​EARLY AS 2 AM EVERY DAY. CLICK LINK

KUCHING: Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, fondly remembers the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as a clean, humble and widely respected leader.

Speaking on behalf of himself and his ministry, Abdul Karim expressed deep sorrow over the death of the nation’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 said at a press conference held at the Baitulmakmur II Building today (April 15).

Known for his soft-spoken demeanour, Abdullah, often referred to as Pak Lah, was praised for his humility and straightforward leadership style.

“He may not have been as vocal as others, but he carried out his responsibilities with dignity,” Abdul Karim 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.

See also  Robbery makes couple RM60,000 poorer

“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 also described the government’s decision to lay Abdullah to rest at the Heroes Mausoleum (Makam Pahlawan) as appropriate, given his integrity and service to the nation.

“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 Monday evening at the age of 85.

He had served as Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister and was known for his moderate leadership and efforts to promote civilisational Islam, economic reforms and administrative transparency.

Related News

Most Viewed Last 2 Days

Abuse court filler
High Court upholds seven-year sentence for drug offender
SRN-minos dago-1605-al
Late Dominic Dago remembered as pioneering Bidayuh leader
SS & KCH-councill gedong-1605-gb (1)
Tamida Da’adi leads Gedong District Council as Chairman
WhatsApp Image 2025-05-16 at 19.06
Late Dominic Dago key figure in uniting Bidayuh community
WhatsApp Image 2025-05-16 at 18.31
Anglican Mission Schools honour teachers’ sacrifice, dedication