When Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took office as Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister in 2003, he stepped into a role that carried immense expectations. Yet, with quiet strength, humility, and a steadfast commitment to inclusive progress, he charted a new course for the nation ; one rooted in collaboration, compassion, and long-term vision.

His signature mantra, “Work with me, not for me,” was more than just a call for unity. It symbolised a leadership style that uplifted others, encouraging Malaysians from all walks of life to be active participants in nation-building. It was this spirit of collective ownership that earned him the loyalty of civil servants and endeared him to the rakyat.

At a time when the global economy was rapidly evolving, Pak Lah recognised that true progress must reach beyond urban centres. His vision gave rise to five strategic economic corridors ; each uniquely designed to harness the strengths of different regions and uplift the livelihoods of those in rural and underdeveloped areas.

From Iskandar Malaysia in Johor to the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) covering Perlis, Kedah, Penang, and Perak, these corridors laid the groundwork for sustainable development. They focused on industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, and logistics ; paving the way for economic resilience and regional prosperity.




Today, Iskandar Malaysia stands as a testament to his foresight, emerging as a key driver of investment, innovation, and job creation, particularly in the digital and industrial sectors.

While the national focus leaned heavily toward industrialisation, Pak Lah chose a different path, reviving Malaysia’s agriculture sector with modern technology and professional expertise. He believed in food sovereignty long before it became a pressing issue, warning of the dangers of overdependence on imports.

His model was not about traditional farming, but about transforming the sector through scientific innovation, sustainability, and market diversification. In hindsight, with today’s soaring food import bills and concerns over self-sufficiency, his early calls for agricultural reform ring prophetic.

Pak Lah firmly believed that national progress hinged on the development of its people. As both Prime Minister and former Education Minister, he invested heavily in building Malaysia’s human capital. His contributions earned him the Father of Malaysia’s Human Capital Development Special Lifetime Achievement Award ; a recognition of his lifelong dedication to empowering individuals through education, training, and opportunity.

He understood that a skilled, knowledgeable, and empowered population would be the most valuable asset for Malaysia’s future.

With a deep appreciation for those who served the nation, Pak Lah uplifted the welfare of over a million civil servants. Just three years into his tenure, he approved a significant salary revision increasing wages by 7.5% to 35% and doubled the Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA). He also ensured that military and police personnel received additional increments, recognising their critical role in safeguarding the country.

In 2008, his government allowed around 40,000 civil servants to return to the pension scheme and, for the first time in history, revised pensions to match the rising cost of living, bringing relief and dignity to retired public servants and their families.

Pak Lah was not a man of theatrics or grandstanding. He led with calm conviction, guided by principles rather than politics. His leadership was quiet, yet transformative — and his departure from office in 2009 was marked by a poignant moment: hundreds of staff lined a red carpet, bidding farewell to a leader they genuinely respected and admired.

Fifteen years later, Malaysians lined up once more — this time to mourn the loss of a true statesman whose sincerity, gentleness, and humility touched countless lives.

He may have spoken softly, but his impact was powerful.

Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will forever be remembered not just as a Prime Minister, but as a leader who reminded us that dignity in governance, compassion in leadership, and humility in power can indeed change the world.

Source : Sinar Harian , Bloomberg.com