Farewell to a Gentle Statesman: Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the Man Who Globalised Halal

Today, Malaysia mourns the loss of one of its most beloved and visionary leaders. Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, fondly known as Pak Lah, passed away peacefully at 7:10 PM on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the National Heart Institute (IJN), Kuala Lumpur, at the age of 85.

His passing was confirmed by his son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, through a heartfelt social media post. Tun Abdullah had been admitted to IJN following respiratory complications and was under intensive care. Despite medical efforts, he departed this world surrounded by his loved ones, leaving behind a legacy that few could match.

A Gentle Soul With a Global Vision

Tun Abdullah served as Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister from 2003 to 2009, during a time of transition and great potential. Though soft-spoken in demeanor, his leadership was marked by wisdom, dignity, and a deep-rooted Islamic worldview.

Perhaps one of his most transformative contributions, one that reverberated far beyond Malaysia’s shores was his vision to position Malaysia as the global leader in the Halal industry.

The Halal Industry: A Global Economic Awakening

Before Tun Abdullah, the Halal sector was seen largely through a religious lens. But under his thoughtful leadership, Halal was reimagined as a global economic force a benchmark for quality, integrity, safety, and ethics.

He established the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) in 2006 and empowered JAKIM to become an internationally recognised certifying authority. These institutions, under his guidance, helped Malaysia develop a robust ecosystem of Halal governance, research, certification, and branding.

Malaysia became not just a producer of Halal goods, but the thought leader, the trusted brand, and the training ground for other nations looking to serve their Muslim populations and beyond.

Today, Halal spans not only food, but pharmaceuticals, logistics, cosmetics, Islamic finance, and tourism. This multi-billion ringgit industry generates employment, strengthens exports, and gives Malaysia a strategic diplomatic advantage, thanks in large part to the seeds sown by Tun Abdullah.

A Leader of Compassion and Moderation

Throughout his premiership, Tun Abdullah championed moderate Islam, clean governance, education, and civilisational dialogue. His concept of “Islam Hadhari” emphasised progress, knowledge, and compassion without compromising faith. It was a model that earned respect in a world torn by post-9/11 tensions and divisions.

In his later years, Tun Abdullah battled dementia a condition his family bravely shared with the public in 2022. Despite his declining health, his name continued to be spoken with affection and respect. He lived a quiet life away from the political spotlight, yet his legacy grew stronger in his absence.

A Farewell from the Nation

Tun Abdullah will be laid to rest at the Warriors’ Mausoleum, a resting place reserved for Malaysia’s national heroes. As we bid farewell to this humble and dignified statesman, we also celebrate the enduring light he lit for the nation a vision of progress built on values, faith, and inclusivity.

His passing is not just a loss to Malaysia, but to the Muslim world and the global community that benefitted from his foresight.

May Allah SWT grant Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi the highest place in Jannah.

Al-Fatihah.