Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s 5th Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi died today at the age of 85. The news about the passing of the statesman at the National Heart Institute (IJN) was confirmed by his son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, through a social media post. ‘May Allah bless his soul and place him among the righteous. Al-Fatihah,’ he posted.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdullah was born on November 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Penang, and served as the country’s prime minister from October 31, 2003, until April 3, 2009, following the resignation of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. IJN, in a statement, said Abdullah was admitted yesterday morning after experiencing breathing difficulties. He was placed under intensive care at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), where he was closely monitored by a team of cardiac specialists. Despite all medical efforts, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.

IJN chief executive officer Prof Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib stated that the entire IJN family is united in grief as they mourn the loss of Abdullah, expressing that caring for him in his final hours was both a privilege and an honour. ‘His humility and grace touched many of our staff, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in eternal peace, Al-Fatihah,’ he said in the statement.

Abdullah’s attending Consultant Cardiologist and Head of IJN Cardiology Department, Datuk Dr Azmee Ghazi, noted that the former prime minister carried himself with quiet strength and dignity. ‘Even in his final moments, he remained calm and kind. It was truly an honour for our team to be by his side,’ he said.

The statement from IJN respectfully extends its deepest sympathies to Abdullah’s family and requests that their privacy be respected during this time of mourning. The family and the Government of Malaysia will share funeral arrangements and official announcements in due course.