Former PM Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Passes Away at 85 After a Long Battle with Dementia

Former Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, has passed away on April 14 at the age of 85 after a long battle with dementia. His son-in-law, former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, shared the news of his passing through a social media post.

Khairy informed that Tun Abdullah breathed his last at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur at 7:10 pm.

"Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the fifth Prime Minister of Malaysia, has returned to the mercy of Allah at 7:10 pm at the National Heart Institute, Kuala Lumpur. May Allah SWT shower His mercy upon the soul of the deceased and place his soul among the souls of those who are faithful and righteous," he wrote.

Image Credit: Malay Mail

IJN stated that the late Tun Abdullah, who was better known as 'Pak Lah', was admitted to the hospital on the morning of April 13 after experiencing breathing difficulties and was treated in the Coronary Care Unit.

"Despite all medical efforts, he breathed his last peacefully, surrounded by loved ones," the hospital said in a media statement.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also paid tribute to Tun Abdullah.

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“Pak Lah was not just a leader but a statesman with a great heart, who brought a new narrative to Malaysian politics,” Anwar said in a statement.

“Despite his condition, his eyes still reflected the love and calmness that were hallmarks of his leadership. The whole nation mourns the loss of a true statesman. Rest in peace, Pak Lah. Malaysia owes you a debt of gratitude for your service and wisdom,” he added.

The late Tun Abdullah had previously fallen ill in April 2024 due to a lung condition or pneumothorax, but recovered after being treated in the ICU at IJN.

Tun Abdullah leaves his wife Jeanne Abdullah, and two children – Ms Nori and Tan Sri Kamaluddin – from his first wife Endon Mahmood, who died of breast cancer in 2005. He also had two stepchildren, Ms Nadiah Kimie and Ms Nadene Kimie, from Tun Jeanne’s previous marriage.

Featured Image Credit: Malay Mail, BERNAMA