Kepala Batas: The family of Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, expressed deep gratitude for the renaming of the Kepala Batas Junior Science College (MRSM) to Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi MRSM, considering it a significant tribute to his enduring legacy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdullah’s son, Tan Sri Kamaluddin, noted that the renaming bears special meaning as it is located in his father’s former parliamentary constituency of Kepala Batas. He remarked, “It really is a very meaningful gesture as the college is in Kepala Batas, a place close to Pak Lah’s heart. This is where he was born, grew up, educated and where he, along with his parents, were laid to rest. He also served the people of Kepala Batas for over three decades.”
During his speech at the renaming ceremony, Kamaluddin extended his family’s gratitude towards the Malaysian government, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and all leaders and residents of Kepala Batas for this honor bestowed upon his father. The ceremony was officiated by Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister. Other dignitaries present included Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Rural and Regional Development Ministry secretary-general Datuk Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar, and Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid.
Kamaluddin shared that following his father’s passing, many visitors offered condolences and shared personal stories, often highlighting Abdullah’s calm and patient demeanor. To many, Abdullah was a man of respect and humility, who treated everyone equally, regardless of their status.
“To truly understand who Abdullah was, we need only read his collected works of poetry ‘Mencari Damai Abadi’. That was who Pak Lah really was, a humble man who lived his life according to Allah’s teachings, a simple soul chosen to lead a nation,” he added, emphasizing that his father’s poetry serves as his true legacy and a guide for future generations.