Malaysia’s fifth prime minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, has died at 85 due to heart complications.
He led the country from 2003 to 2009, taking over from Mahathir Mohamad. Initially, Abdullah was praised for promoting political freedom and fighting corruption. However, his administration faced setbacks, and his party suffered a major loss in the general election, leading to his resignation.
Abdullah stepped back from politics and lived a simple life. In 2022, his son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, revealed that Abdullah was suffering from dementia and his condition had deteriorated significantly. He could no longer speak or recognize family members.
Legacy
Abdullah’s passing marks a significant loss for Malaysia. Many see him as a gentle and humble leader who tried to bring change to the country’s politics during a critical period.