Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the fifth prime minister of Malaysia, passed away in Kuala Lumpur at the age of 85, a loss acknowledged by his family on Monday. His son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, shared that Mr. Abdullah had been dealing with respiratory issues and had also publicly battled dementia since 2022.
Taking office in 2003, Abdullah took the reins following the 22-year rule of the authoritarian Mahathir Mohamad. Known for his understated approach, Abdullah sought to promote political dialogue and expand freedoms in Malaysia, a country balancing Islamic ideologies with its diverse ethnic communities. His leadership was marked by a call for a moderate interpretation of Islam in a predominantly Muslim nation.
Political analyst Bridget Welsh remarked on Abdullah's capacity to initiate dialogue around Malaysia’s challenges, which contrasted sharply with his predecessor’s assertiveness. However, Abdullah’s quiet style led to some criticisms during his term, with detractors coining the term "the sleeping prime minister" to reflect his perceived lack of energy and engagement in public appearances.
Despite the hurdles, Abdullah began his leadership with a decisive electoral victory, reinforcing his party's power in the national parliament. His legacy includes a shift toward greater political freedom and a commitment to fostering inter-ethnic harmony in Malaysia's complex socio-political environment.
