Malaysia • Ex-prime minister Abdullah Badawi dies at 85

PM Anwar pays tribute, says Pak Lah’ brought new narrative to politics of power

- Shannon Teoh Malaysia Bureau Chief

KUALA LUMPUR - Former Malaysian prime minister Abdullah Badawi died on April 14, aged 85, having suffered from dementia in the last few years.

His son-in-law and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin shared the news in an Instagram story, saying that Tun Abdullah died at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur at 7.10pm.

IJN said Malaysia's fifth prime minister, fondly known as "Pak Lah", was admitted on the morning of April 13 after experiencing breathing issues and was under intensive care at the coronary care unit.

"Despite all medical efforts, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones," the hospital said in a media release." Mr Abdullah had previously been taken ill in April 2024 with a collapsed lung, but recovered after being hospitalised at IJN's critical care unit.

He had succeeded Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Malaysia's leader in 2003, and immediately won a huge mandate at the March 2004 general election, with Barisan Nasional (BN) taking 90 per cent of the seats in Parliament.