Former Malaysia PM Abdullah Badawi dies aged 85
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi died on Monday, aged 85, his family and medical authorities reported.
Abdullah became Malaysia's fifth prime minister in 2003, following the resignation of veteran leader Mahathir Mohamad after 22 years at the helm.
The former premier died at 7.10pm (11.10 GMT) on Monday ( April 14) at the National Heart Institute (IJN)in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, his son-in-law and former health minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, said in an Instagram post, without specifying a cause of death.
Abdullah was admitted to the National Heart Institute on Sunday after experiencing breathing difficulties and was immediately placed under intensive care, the institute said in a statement.
"Despite all medical efforts, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones," the institute said.
As premier of the Muslim-majority country, Abdullah embarked on an anti-corruption drive and espoused a moderate version of Islam that aimed for economic and technological progress over religious fundamentalism. But he came under public criticism for his review of fuel subsidies that saw a sharp spike in prices.
Abdullah stepped down in 2009, a year after an election that saw the then-ruling Barisan Nasional coalition lose its parliamentary supermajority for the first time in the country's history. He was succeeded by Najib Razak.
Former PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to be buried at Makam Pahlawan
The body of Malaysia's fifth Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, affectionately known as Pak Lah, will be laid to rest on Tuesday (April 15) at Makam Pahlawan, located at Masjid Negara.
Khairy Jamaluddin announced at a press conference at the National Heart Institute that the burial will take place after 1pm.
"His body will be sent to his home in Kuala Lumpur, and tomorrow morning it will be brought to Masjid Negara. From 11am to 1pm, his body will be placed in the main praying hall at Masjid Negara for those wishing to pay their last respects.
"For non-Muslims, we ask that they come appropriately clothed. He will be buried at Makam Pahlawan," he said.
Khairy added that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had approved the burial at this location.
When asked about Pak Lah's admission, Khairy mentioned that he was admitted early Sunday (April 13) morning.
Khairy also shared that Pak Lah was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing.
"All of his family members were with him, including his wife. Pak Lah left us in a calm state.
"On behalf of the family, I would like to thank IJN for taking care of him so well and for ensuring he was peaceful during his last moments," he said.
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