Kuala Lumpur: Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s younger brother, Datuk Mohd Tahir, expressed shock upon hearing the news of his eldest brother’s death tonight.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Tahir was taken aback when he learned that Tun Abdullah, affectionately known as Pak Lah, was in critical condition at the National Heart Institute (IJN) before his passing. Despite being aware that Pak Lah was receiving treatment at IJN, Mohd Tahir did not anticipate the severity of his brother’s condition. He shared his sorrow, stating, “I was very saddened to receive this news from my family members who informed us that our brother Pak Lah had passed away.”

Mohd Tahir, who resides in Permatang Bertam, quickly made his way to Kuala Lumpur to pay his last respects. Reflecting on their family traditions, he mentioned how their family, including two brothers and a sister, traditionally gathered at their family home in Kepala Batas for Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations since Tun Abdullah became the Kepala Batas member of parliament (MP). Even after Tun Abdullah stepped down as MP, the family continued to return to Kepala Batas, although in recent years, they visited Pak Lah in the capital due to his declining health.

Tun Abdullah, who was 85, passed away at the IJN at 7.10 pm. Born on November 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Penang, he served as the MP for Kepala Batas from 1978 to 2008 and held the Prime Minister’s office from October 31, 2003, to April 3, 2009, succeeding Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.