Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, known affectionately as Pak Lah, was laid to rest with full honours, leaving behind a legacy of humility, reform, and quiet strength.
Malaysia bade a solemn farewell to its fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in a state funeral that drew dignitaries, royalty, and Malaysians from all walks of life. Known affectionately as Pak Lah, the former statesman was laid to rest with full honours at the Heroes’ Mausoleum, located next to the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, leaving behind a legacy of humility, reform, and quiet strength.
Foreign dignitaries including Singapore’s former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Hollywood star Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, and various heads of state were in attendance. Also present were Malaysian Sultans, cabinet ministers past and present, and former Prime Ministers, underscoring the respect Pak Lah commanded across political divides.
Pak Lah and Najib
But what truly captured the nation’s attention was the presence of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was granted rare leave by the courts to pay his final respects. Najib, who served as Deputy Prime Minister under Pak Lah’s administration, had often referred to him as a mentor and political abang (brother). The quiet exchange of respect between Najib and Pak Lah’s family at the National Mosque added a deeply emotional note to the ceremony.
Another moment that moved many was a spontaneous gesture between Najib’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, wife of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Rosmah was seen embracing and kissing Dr Siti Hasmah — a scene that was both touching and unexpected, given the long-standing political rivalry between their husbands.
Najib’s attendance at the funeral lit up social media. Footage and photos of his arrival quickly went viral, with many Malaysians expressing their sentiments online. His official Facebook post on his attendance at Pak Lah’s funeral garnered over 2 million views, reflecting not only public curiosity but also his enduring popularity despite his current incarceration.
Pak Lah’s passing marks the end of a chapter in Malaysia’s political history—one defined by his soft-spoken leadership and efforts at administrative reform. Yet, in many ways, the scenes at his funeral reflected a deeper yearning among Malaysians: for unity, dignity, and respect across even the most bitter of divides. – NMH
Datin Hasnah is the co-founder and CEO of New Malaysia Herald based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
With an extensive background in mass communication and journalism, she works on building up New Malaysia Herald and it’s partner sites. A tireless and passionate evangalist, she champions autism studies and support groups.
Datin Hasnah is also the Editor in Chief of New Malaysia Herald.
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