Kuala Lumpur: A leadership institute named after the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is set to be established as a training and research center for politics under UMNO. This proposal, announced by UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, aims to strengthen the study and documentation of the political journey and thoughts of Malaysia’s fifth prime minister. The proposal will be presented at the UMNO Supreme Working Council Meeting (MKT) next month.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that the institute will not only focus on training but will also serve as a research center for UMNO. He disclosed this plan while inaugurating the Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi MARA Junior Science College (MRSM). The event was attended by several notable figures, including Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Bertam State Assembly Member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Chairman of the Mara Council Datuk Seri Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, and the late Tun Abdullah’s son, Tan Sri Kamaluddin Abdullah.
Ahmad Zahid, who also holds the position of Deputy Prime Minister, stated that the institute will become a crucial reference for researchers and historians, especially with UMNO’s 80th anniversary approaching next year. He mentioned that while there is an existing research unit, the plan is to expand it to better serve as a resource for those studying UMNO’s history and struggle.
In conjunction with establishing the institute, MRSM Kepala Batas has been renamed to MRSM Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Ahmad Zahid further instructed the management of MRSM to organize a special seminar this month to discuss Tun Abdullah’s thoughts and political career. The seminar will focus on the former prime minister’s ideology and contributions throughout his career, from being an Administrative and Diplomatic Officer to his roles as Director-General of the Youth and Sports Department, Deputy Prime Minister, and Prime Minister of Malaysia. The seminar aims to gather intellectuals, historians, and professionals to explore Tun Abdullah’s impact on politics and society.