Kuala Lumpur: The passing of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday left a profound impact on the nation, as Malaysians reflect on his legacy of leadership rooted in values, integrity, and thoughtful governance.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, during his six-year tenure as Prime Minister, the late Tun-affectionately known as Pak Lah-introduced the iconic slogan Cemerlang, Gemilang, Terbilang. More than just a catchphrase, it embodied his vision for the country’s excellence across key sectors such as education, science, technology, agriculture, and human development.
Abdullah was quoted as saying at the 56th UMNO General Assembly in 2005, ‘When we succeed in achieving a level of Cemerlang (excellence), Gemilang (glory) and Terbilang (distinction), no matter how small our numbers, how large the gathering, wherever on earth we may be, or under whatever sky we find shelter, our presence will be felt and respected.’ Shunning both hardline and populist tactics, Abdullah championed a nation-building approach anchored in human capital, which emphasised education, ethics, and a progressive mindset as the key foundations to the country’s future.
Under his administration as Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, private higher education institutions and colleges experienced rapid growth, while schools and teacher training centres were significantly strengthened. Abdullah believed that a young generation, equipped with skills and grounded in noble values, would be the nation’s greatest asset in an increasingly competitive world. This forward-thinking approach helped Malaysia avoid being labelled as a country with ‘first-class infrastructure but a third-class mentality’.
Known for his moderate and open inclusive leadership style, Abdullah led with a calm, thoughtful demeanour-governing not with force, but with wisdom. “Don’t work for me, but come work with me,” were among the memorable words Pak Lah spoke at the start of his tenure, encapsulating his vision of shared responsibility and unity. He encouraged citizens, community leaders, and political figures alike to collaborate in building the nation together.
Reflecting on his leadership, former Foreign Minister Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar said that Abdullah did not adopt a forceful or coercive approach. Instead, he provided space for both leaders and the people to realise their full potential in shaping the country’s future.
Deputy Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, remarked on Abdullah’s unwavering focus on human capital development, noting that it remains one of the most enduring aspects of his legacy. In Abdullah’s view, the foundation of nation-building isn’t merely machinery or infrastructure-it is the people themselves.
At the onset of his administration, Abdullah showcased his commitment to good governance by launching the National Integrity Plan and establishing the Malaysian Integrity Institute-initiatives aimed at instilling a culture of integrity in society and improving national governance. His commitment to combating corruption was demonstrated with the establishment of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in 2008, replacing the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) to ensure the institution would operate with greater independence, transparency, and professionalism.
Abdullah’s dedication to transparency and good governance also took shape through the establishment of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Improvement of the Conduct and Management of the Royal Malaysian Police-an initiative designed to reform and strengthen one of the nation’s key institutions.
For Pak Lah, Cemerlang, Gemilang, Terbilang (Excellence, Glory, Distinction) was never merely a slogan; it was a guiding principle that defined both his leadership and his life. His contributions will continue to resonate in the hearts of Malaysians and the nation’s journey forward. Abdullah died at the age of 85 at 7.10 pm at the National Heart Institute (IJN) yesterday after experiencing shortness of breath.