Kuala Lumpur: Two former Prime Ministers tonight paid tribute to the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, reflecting on their time serving under his administration, and sharing personal memories of his leadership.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak described Abdullah as a friend and mentor, recalling him as a guiding figure whose advice and leadership deeply influenced his own journey. Najib, who succeeded Abdullah as Malaysia’s sixth Prime Minister, admired his predecessor’s governance style, which was anchored in accountability and a commitment to excellence in both politics and public administration.

Najib highlighted that Abdullah’s spirit and principles were key inspirations behind the formulation of the 1Malaysia concept – People First, Performance Now – which guided his administration. He shared personal sentiments, describing Pak Lah as very close to his family, like an elder brother and loyal friend through life’s ups and downs. Najib emphasized Abdullah’s immense contributions to religion, race, and country and extended his heartfelt condolences to Abdullah’s family and friends in a Facebook post.

Najib served as Deputy Prime Minister under Abdullah’s leadership from January 7, 2004, to April 3, 2009. Meanwhile, the country’s ninth Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob described Abdullah as a father figure who nurtured and guided him in both politics and governance throughout his rise in public service.

Ismail Sabri expressed deep indebtedness to the late Pak Lah, who gave him the opportunity to contest the Bera parliamentary seat in 2004 and later entrusted him with the responsibility as Minister of Youth and Sports in 2008. He acknowledged the nation’s mourning over the great loss, recognizing Abdullah as a statesman who dedicated his life to the service of religion, race, and the country. Ismail Sabri appreciated Abdullah’s contributions, especially on a personal level, as noted in his Facebook tribute.

Abdullah, aged 85, passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at 7.10 pm today. Born on November 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Penang, he served as Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister from October 31, 2003, to April 3, 2009, following the resignation of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.