Kuala Lumpur: Former Foreign Minister Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar described former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as not only an employer but also a good friend. He said his relationship with the fifth Prime Minister was close throughout his responsibilities as Foreign Minister.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Syed Hamid shared that his experience with Abdullah was not just professional but also personal, highlighting Abdullah’s non-aggressive manner that made him well-liked by foreign leaders. “I have always been with him not only as Foreign Minister but as a friend and I have seen foreign leaders being friendly with him because of his non-aggressive manner and approach, people say he is like a saint,” he said when met by the media in front of the former Prime Minister’s residence today. Among the distinguished guests present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad as well as Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa.

Syed Hamid further expressed that Abdullah’s passing is a significant loss to the nation, as he was a leader who was close to the people and implemented changes during his tenure. “I think we lost a statesman, a leader who was dedicated enough to his humble duty that led to Islam Hadari. (May) the deceased be placed among the faithful,” he said.

Earlier, Abdullah’s body was taken out from his residence in Bait Abdullah to the National Mosque at 8.10 am this morning to be shrouded and prayed. The former Prime Minister will then be buried according to the National Funeral Ceremony at the Heroes’ Cemetery, National Mosque. Abdullah, 85, breathed his last at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at 7.10 pm last night.