In brief
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Malaysia's fifth prime minister, has passed away at 85. His leadership from 2003 to 2009 fostered political freedoms and promoted moderate Islam. Known for a calm demeanor, he facilitated dialogue but faced criticism for his less vigorous approach compared to his predecessor.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, a respected figure in Malaysian politics, passed away on April 18, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur at the age of 85. Serving as the country’s fifth prime minister from 2003 to 2009, Abdullah was renowned for his tranquil leadership style, which came after the strongman rule of Mahathir Mohamad. His tenure was marked by granting greater political freedoms and advocating for a moderate interpretation of Islam in a predominantly Muslim nation.His death was confirmed by his son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, who noted that Abdullah had been suffering from health issues, including dementia. Abdullah’s leadership was characterized by a willingness to engage in open dialogues about national issues—a quality praised by political experts. Bridget Welsh, a Malaysian politics scholar, highlighted his ability to foster discussions, which ultimately led to increased public expectations.Although his presidency began with substantial electoral success, his slow-paced approach drew criticism. Known infamously as “the sleeping prime minister” due to bouts of sleep apnea during public appearances, Abdullah’s style was less aggressive than that of his predecessor, which led to mixed evaluations of his time in office.
