Kuala Lumpur: The poem “Ku Cari Damai Abadi” (I Seek Eternal Peace), penned by Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in 2004, resurfaced today as Malaysian netizens shared it across social media in remembrance of the country’s 5th Prime Minister, fondly known as Pak Lah.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the poem went viral following the news of the statesman’s passing last night. Former General Manager of Buku Karangkraf Group, Sri Diah Shaharuddin, shared the poem on Facebook, expressing her admiration for Tun Abdullah’s work. She described it as a reflection of a thoughtful soul and a deep, contemplative mind. She noted, “As a writer, I’ve always admired his words. His poem carries both heart and intellect.” She further expressed her farewell wishes for Pak Lah, praying for God’s mercy and forgiveness, and mentioned that the poem had been turned into a song by legendary rock icon Datuk Ramli Sarip.
Another writer, Dr. Kamarul Ariffin Nor Sadan, commented on the symbolic nature of the poem, which captures a deep yearning to find the true meaning of life through a connection with God and the pursuit of spiritual peace. In a Facebook post, he emphasized that true happiness does not come from material riches or worldly entertainment but from awareness of the divine and a sincere relationship with the Almighty. He remarked, “Each line of the poem invites readers and listeners to reflect on what truly matters in life-the search for and the experience of lasting peace through faith and devotion to divine guidance.”
Dr. Kamarul also highlighted the poem’s translation into various languages, stating that its enduring relevance reflects the depth of the late statesman’s philosophy and his heartfelt effort to encourage society to view life through a more holistic and meaningful lens.
Writer Fakhri Fadzli remembered Pak Lah as both a thinker and a writer. He described the poem as not just a piece of writing but a principle and philosophy that the late Prime Minister lived by. Fadzli urged his followers on X to reflect on the lines of the poem.
Tun Abdullah, aged 85, passed away at the National Heart Institute at 7.10 pm yesterday. Born on November 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Abdullah served as the country’s Prime Minister from October 31, 2003, until April 3, 2009, following the resignation of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.