When we think of Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi—or fondly, Pak Lah—we remember a leader who led not just with intellect, but with heart. Known for his calm demeanor, poetic soul, and deep sense of spirituality, his life was full of stories that shaped the man we came to admire. Here’s a tribute to the meaningful (and sometimes unexpected!) moments that made up his remarkable journey.
1. The Son of a Preacher Man
Dusty Springfield reference aside—Pak Lah really was the son of a preacher man. He was born into a family steeped in religious scholarship. His father, Ahmad Badawi, was a respected religious figure and an early UMNO member. But the spiritual roots went even deeper—his grandfather, Sheikh Abdullah Fahim, was a well-known nationalist and Islamic scholar who helped establish Hizbul Muslimin, which would later become PAS. He even founded Daeratul Maarif al-Wataniah, a pondok school where young Abdullah studied Islamic and Arabic teachings.
2. Childhood Adventures: Orchards, Fishing, and Friendship
Growing up in Bertam, Pak Lah’s childhood was full of sweet, simple adventures—many of them shared with his best friend, Fatah Abdullah. Whether they were attending school together, sneaking out to pick rambutans and mangosteens, or earning pocket money by reselling them (to his own grandfather, no less!), these moments were filled with laughter and life. Pak Lah’s grandfather would even pretend he bought the fruits from the market—a secret that only the three of them shared for years.
And let’s not forget the fishing escapades! With about 20–30 makeshift rods stuck in muddy paddy fields, Pak Lah and Fatah would leave baited hooks in the water, wander off, and come back later to see which rods had caught something. It was simple fun, but it meant the world to them.
3. Boy Scout Leader with a Purpose
Pak Lah’s leadership skills started early. When he entered Batu Mertajam High School, he joined the Boy Scouts under the guidance of Mr. Ng Soo Chai, an English teacher and Scout Master. He quickly rose to become Troop Leader, managing patrols and organising campsite duties like pitching tents, gathering firewood, cooking, and cleaning.
And thanks to his religious upbringing, he had one very specific role—slaughtering chickens for meals at camp. That’s right, Pak Lah was the designated “slaughterman”! A true team player, even in the wilderness.
4. A Voice for Students: GPMS & Shaping Education Policy
While studying at University Malaya, Pak Lah ran for President of Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS)—and won. At just 23, he held the position for four years. At the time, GPMS focused on securing scholarships for undergraduates. But Pak Lah thought differently. He believed there were already enough scholarships for those qualified—instead, he turned his attention to help struggling secondary school students.
With bold vision, he pitched a remedial programme to none other than Tun Abdul Razak, then Deputy Prime Minister. Tun Abdul Razak was impressed and awarded GPMS a RM25,000 grant (a huge sum back then!). That programme would go on to uplift hundreds of underperforming students. Even then, Pak Lah was already changing lives.
5. Love, Loss, and Leadership: Tun Endon by His Side
In 1964, while working at the Federal Establishment Office, Tun Abdullah met Tun Endon Mahmood, a gentle, warm-hearted stenographer. Their connection blossomed, and they tied the knot in 1965. Tun Endon became a pillar of strength throughout Pak Lah’s journey in public service—calm, graceful, and always by his side.
Tragically, Tun Endon passed away in 2005 after a brave battle with breast cancer. Her loss was deeply felt by all Malaysians. Yet, even in grief, Pak Lah carried himself with quiet strength—holding onto love, memory, and purpose.
6. A Passion for Classic Cars
Beyond politics and public life, Pak Lah had a fun, nostalgic side—he adored classic cars. One of his favorite stories? In 1959, he owned a Mini Cooper that he eventually sold but deeply regretted parting with. Decades later, a friend tracked down the same car, restored it with original parts, and surprised him with it in 2002. It was especially meaningful because it was the car his son, Kamaluddin, used to pretend to drive as a child.
His collection grew to include an Alfa Romeo, a black Morris Minor, and the beautiful Mercedes-Benz 190SL. A true vintage lover with great taste!
7. A Prime Minister… and a Poet
Did you know Pak Lah was also a poet? His soulful piece Ku Cari Damai Abadi struck a chord with people around the world. Translated into over 80 languages, it reflects his lifelong search for peace, purpose, and faith:
Ku Cari Damai Abadi
Aku cari bukan harta bertimbun-timbun,
Untuk hidup kaya,
Aku cari bukan wang berjuta-juta,
Untuk hidup bergaya,
Aku cari bukan kawan-kawan,
Untuk hidup sekadar berfoya-foya,
Aku cari mana dia Al-Ghazali,
Aku cari mana dia Al-Shafie,
Kita bongkar rahsia kitab suci,
Cari pedoman,
Kita bongkar rahsia sunnah nabi,
Cari panduan,
Aku hidup kerana Dia Rabbi,
Dialah teman,
Dialah wali,
Dia mencukupi,
Aku hidup bererti,
Menikmati Damai Abadi.
It’s more than just words—it’s a reflection of who Pak Lah truly was a man of integrity, humility, and deep spiritual grounding.
Bonus fact: This poem was adapted into a song by veteran artist Ramli Sarip.
8. Favourite Things: A Glimpse into His Heart
Back in 2005, The Star—with the help of his daughter, Nori—shared a list of Pak Lah’s favorite things, giving Malaysians a closer look at their Prime Minister:
- Historical figure: Prophet Muhammad
- Book: The Holy Quran
- Role model: Tun Abdul Razak
- Local holiday spot: Pangkor Island
- Overseas destination: Japan
- Food: Rice porridge
- Drink: Warm water
- Song: Bahtera Merdeka by Ahmad Jais
- Movie: My Fair Lady
- Hobby: Collecting tongkat (walking sticks)
From poetry to porridge, every detail paints a portrait of a gentle leader who led with soul.
A Lasting Legacy
Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi may have spoken softly, but his impact was profound. From humble beginnings in Kepala Batas to the halls of Putrajaya, he carried with him the values of kindness, honesty, and balance. He believed in unity without noise, progress without arrogance, and leadership without ego.
As we say goodbye, we remember not just a former Prime Minister—but a man who never stopped seeking peace, in the country and within himself.
Terima kasih, Pak Lah. May your soul rest in Damai Abadi.
Sources:
- Pak Lah by BERNAMA (2010)
- Kenali Tun Abdullah Hj. Ahmad Badawi by Maruwiah Ahmat (2010)
A Glimpse of the Life of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
