Kuala Lumpur: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has extended his condolences to the family of Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who died tonight at the National Heart Institute (IJN).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi, in a Facebook post, highlighted that the late Tun Abdullah had guided the nation through a significant period of change following a major transition in national leadership. During his tenure, Abdullah’s administration introduced several initiatives, including the concept of Islam Hadhari and the establishment of the Judicial Appointments Commission.
Fahmi expressed that Abdullah’s contributions and service would always be remembered by all Malaysians, irrespective of their background or political beliefs. He extended his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Ministry of Communications, praying for Abdullah’s family to be granted strength and patience to cope with the loss.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek also extended her condolences, wishing the family strength during this challenging time, and offered prayers for the late Tun Abdullah Badawi.
Abdullah, aged 85, passed away at IJN at 7.10 pm, with the news confirmed by his son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, through an Instagram post. Born on November 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Abdullah served as Malaysia’s Prime Minister from October 31, 2003, to April 3, 2009, succeeding Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Several cabinet ministers, including Foreign Minister and UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, also expressed their condolences.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu recognized Abdullah’s invaluable service to the nation, commending his leadership marked by wisdom, moderation, and integrity. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa described Abdullah as a compassionate statesman who governed with dignity and humanity, providing a unifying voice during turbulent political times.
Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali remarked on Abdullah’s contributions to national development and the empowerment of Islamic Hadhari values, noting that his passing is a significant loss for the country.
Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives R. Ramanan offered condolences and prayers for Abdullah’s family, emphasizing that his services would always be appreciated and remembered.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching also expressed his condolences, underscoring that Abdullah’s services would be remembered by all Malaysians.