The Washington Post: Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Malaysian transitional prime minister, dies at 85
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Abdullah bin Ahmad Badawi, also known as Pak Lah, was a Malaysian politician and civil servant who served as the fifth prime minister of Malaysia from 2003 to 2009. A member of UMNO, he was the party's president from 2004 to 2009 and led the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition during his premiership.
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politics · Prime Minister of Malaysia from 2003 to 2009 (1939–2025) · diplomat · politician · civil servant · head of government · also Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Pak Lah, Badawi
Born 26 November 1939 · Died 14 April 2025 · Q272588
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The Washington Post: Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Malaysian transitional prime minister, dies at 85
Yahoo: Former Malaysian leader Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who extended political freedoms, dies at 85
Died 2025-04-14.
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Was admitted to the hospital due to spontaneous pneumothorax
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Awarded King Faisal International Prize in Service to Islam (2011).
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Awarded Family Order of Laila Utama presented by Hassanal Bolkiah I of Brunei in Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana (2010).
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Awarded Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (2009).
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Career landmark: Minister of Defence (2008–2009).
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Awarded Star of the Republic of Indonesia, 2nd class presented by Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Merdeka Palace (2007).
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One of the last decided upon by Mahathir before he left office, going as far as saying he regretted choosing Abdullah as his successor
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Street protests were launched in response
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Awarded Order of José Martí presented by Fidel Castro (2004).
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And initially enjoyed strong public support, promoting institutional reform, anti-corruption measures, and a vision of moderate Islam through his concept of Islam Hadhari
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While her twin sister Noraini, who had earlier been diagnosed with the same illness, died in January 2003
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Career landmark: Prime Minister of Malaysia (2003–2009).
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Career landmark: Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement (2003–2006).
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Career landmark: Minister of Finance 2 (2003–2008).
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Career landmark: Malaysian National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs chairman (2003–2009).
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Career landmark: Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia (1999–2003).
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Mahathir brought him back into government as the minister of foreign affairs
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Career landmark: Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia (1991–1999).
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Career landmark: Minister of Defence (1986–1987).
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Career landmark: Minister of Education (1984–1986).
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Was responsible for the implementation of the Look East policy
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As the Member of Parliament for Kepala Batas, a seat he held until 2013
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To become a member of parliament for his constituency of Kepala Batas in northern Seberang Perai (which had also been represented by his father)
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General election, he served as the parliamentary secretary to the minister of federal territories from 1978 until 1980 and deputy minister of federal territories from 1980 until 1981
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Graduated from the University of Malaya with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Islamic Studies
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Studied at Universiti Malaya, Bachelor of Arts (1964).
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Born 1939-11-26.
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