By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 — Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the state funeral for Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is to mark the government and Malaysians’ gratitude for the late prime minister’s service.
Amirudin said that as prime minister and a long-time administrator in the federal government, Abdullah has contributed much to national development.
“I, as a representative of the Selangor administration and people, extend my condolences to Tun Abdullah’s family.
“The national honour (state funeral) bestowed upon him today is a sign of gratitude for all his contributions and political struggles throughout his administration,” Amirudin said after paying his respects to Abdullah during the funeral at the National Mosque today.
Putrajaya yesterday decided to give the fifth prime minister a state funeral.
[caption id="attachment_397574" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari speaks to reporters after attending the state funeral for Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the National Mosque, Kuala Lumpur, on April 15, 2025. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Last rites will be performed at the National Mosque following the afternoon prayer, and Abdullah’s remains will be laid to rest at Makam Pahlawan.
Abdullah, fondly known as Pak Lah, died aged 85 at the National Heart Institute here at 7.10pm yesterday.
Born November 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Abdullah was prime minister from October 31, 2003, to April 3, 2009, succeeding Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He was considered Malaysia’s “Father of Human Capital Development” for pioneering the concept of a strong workforce as the foundation for national development.
Abdullah also introduced Islam Hadhari — a progressive interpretation of Islam that integrates development with core human values and principles.
