Tribute For Tun Abdullah Reflects Government's Deep Appreciation - Family

KEPALA BATAS, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- The initiative to organise the Remembering Statesman Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi: Father of Human Capital Development Programme today reflects the government's deep appreciation for the service and contribution of the late Tun Abdullah, the country's fifth Prime Minister.

Tun Abdullah's younger brother, Datuk Mohd Tahir, said his family thanked the government for organising the programme, adding that it would provide exposure to the people, especially the younger generation, about his brother, affectionately known as “Pak Lah”.

"We are happy and touched by this tribute. At the same time, I am sad because I always miss him. But I believe this is the time and opportunity for the public, especially the younger generation, to get to know Pak Lah, who became the country's fifth Prime Minister.

"Pak Lah had, from his younger days, including in school, displayed his leadership qualities by helming various associations, such as the Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS), while in university. He was also very friendly and well known among residents in Permatang Bertam, our hometown,” he told Bernama.

Earlier, Minister of National Unity Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang officiated the programme in Bertam here and was also attended by his deputy, K. Saraswathy.

The special programme, organised by the National Archives of Malaysia to honour the services and contributions of Tun Abdullah, is part of the 2025 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations (HKHM 2025).

Elaborating, Mohd Tahir said he had witnessed his late brother's determination to always make human capital development the main strategy for developing and adding value to the capabilities of Malaysians throughout his time as prime minister from 2003 to 2009.

"I feel that although his time as prime minister was for five years, he still did a lot for the people, and since he became the elected representative in Kepala Batas, one can say that his life was all about helping the people, regardless of race or religion.

"On behalf of my family and myself, I want to thank the current government for organising this programme to remember Pak Lah. We truly appreciate your efforts,” he said.

Tun Abdullah died at the age of 85 at the National Heart Institute (IJN) on April 14.

Born on Nov 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Penang, he served as the Kepala Batas MP from 1978 to 2013 and as Malaysia’s Prime Minister from Oct 31, 2003, to April 3, 2009, following Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation.

-- BERNAMA