Tun Mahathir hails Pak Lah's selfless departure as a model for leaders

SHAH ALAM - Malaysian leaders should learn from the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's example of stepping down gracefully and without drama for the nation’s stability.

This came from former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who lauded Abdullah—affectionately known as Pak Lah—as a leader of strong principles and a big heart.

People pray as military and police officials carry the coffin of Abdullah ahead of his burial during his funeral ceremony at the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur on April 15, 2025, following his death on April 14 aged 85. Affectionately known as "Pak Lah" or Uncle Lah, Abdullah became the country's fifth prime minister in 2003, succeeding Dr Mahathir, who resigned after 22 years in power. Abdullah served until 2009 when he was was forced to resign after his ruling coalition's poor showing in general elections. (Photo by MOHD RASFAN / AFP)

He praised Abdullah's decision to step down peacefully after Barisan Nasional’s (BN) poor performance in the 12th General Election (GE12) in 2008.

"Abdullah took over as PM after I stepped down and in the early part of his term, the country saw one of the biggest election wins ever when BN secured nearly 90 per cent of the seats in GE2004," he said when met by reporters at Masjid Negara.

Although they had differences during Abdullah’s tenure, Dr Mahathir acknowledged the significance of the peaceful power transition.

"When the 2008 general election didn’t go the government’s way, Abdullah didn’t hesitate to step down and hand over the role to his deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

"That decision showed remarkable maturity and set an example for future leaders," the former Langkawi MP added.

Abdullah’s peaceful resignation, according to Dr Mahathir, exemplified a political culture that prioritises stability over personal ambition.

“If this practice continues, God willing, Malaysia will remain a strong and stable nation. This was the example set by Tun Abdullah,” he said.

Abdullah passed away yesterday evening at 7.10pm at the National Heart Institute (IJN).

Earlier today, political leaders and dignitaries gathered at the National Mosque for a State Funeral to pay their final respects.

Dr Mahathir, accompanied by his son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, arrived at the mosque at 11.15am and was greeted by Abdullah’s son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin.

Dr Mahathir spent about 10 minutes offering prayers beside Abdullah’s casket, paying tribute to the late leader.

Abdullah served as Malaysia’s Prime Minister from October 31, 2003, to April 3, 2009, succeeding Dr Mahathir.

Both triumphs and challenges marked his time in office, but his legacy is a reminder of the importance of peaceful leadership transitions.