A Solemn Farewell in Kuala Lumpur

SINGAPORE – In a poignant moment of remembrance, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong is set to attend the state funeral of Malaysia's former Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi on April 15 in Kuala Lumpur, as confirmed by the Singapore Prime Minister's Office.

Accompanied by his wife Ho Ching and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lee is honoring the legacy of a leader who played a pivotal role in Malaysian politics.

Remembering 'Pak Lah'

Abdullah, affectionately known as 'Pak Lah', passed away on April 14 at the age of 85 after a prolonged battle with dementia. His life came to an end at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur.

Serving as Malaysia's fifth Prime Minister from October 2003 to April 2009, his tenure coincided significantly with Lee’s leadership in Singapore. Lee expressed heartfelt condolences, noting their shared history long before their respective premierships.

"He served his country with great dedication, working tirelessly to tackle Malaysia’s challenges and uplift the lives of Malaysians," Lee stated. "It was a great privilege for me to have known Pak Lah and shared many warm conversations with him over the years."

A Legacy of Cooperation

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also shared his tribute, highlighting Abdullah's impact as a respected leader who fortified Asean's standing on the global stage. Wong emphasized that Singapore was fortunate to have Abdullah as a friend, noting their collaborative efforts that strengthened ties between the two nations.

He pointed to the development of Iskandar Malaysia, a special economic zone established in 2006, as a testament to their fruitful partnership.

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan added to the accolades, praising Abdullah’s lengthy tenure in Malaysia’s Cabinet and their close collaboration, recalling the inaugural Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in Langkawi in 2007, which paved the way for ongoing dialogues on essential bilateral matters.

A Family Remembered

Abdullah leaves behind his wife Jeanne Abdullah and two children, Ms. Nori and Tan Sri Kamaluddin, from his first marriage to Endon Mahmood, who passed away in 2005. He also had two stepchildren from Jeanne's previous marriage.

His son-in-law, former Malaysian Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, announced that the public can pay their last respects from 11 am to 1 pm on April 15 at the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, before Abdullah is laid to rest at the Heroes’ Mausoleum.

This significant event marks the end of an era in Malaysian politics, celebrating a leader who was dedicated to improving the lives of his nation.