KEPALA BATAS, April 15 — Reminiscing on a friendship that spanned over 40 years, particularly in the early years of fifth Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s involvement in UMNO, has left former Pinang Tunggal State Assemblyman Datuk Roslan Saidin with deep and lasting memories.
The three-term assemblyman, who last met Tun Abdullah at his residence in Kuala Lumpur on April 9, never expected that would be their final meeting when he received news of the passing of the former prime minister yesterday.
Reflecting on their relationship, Roslan, who served as an elected representative between 2004 and 2018, said he first got to know Tun Abdullah, affectionately known as ‘Pak Lah,’ when he joined the UMNO Youth division committee at 23.
The long-standing bond led to a deep understanding of each other’s personalities, and what touched Roslan most was the noble attitude of Pak Lah, who rarely got angry with anyone.
“Throughout (my time) knowing Pak Lah, he wouldn’t show it if he was unhappy with us. As far as I remember, he never scolded anyone,” he said.
“I still remember when I first won as an elected state representative. During the first week, I met with him, and Pak Lah said, ‘Lan, now that we’re elected representatives, let’s make people happy and feel good… we’ll earn blessings (pahala) for it.’ That’s something I will never forget. With his passing, my family and I feel a profound sense of loss,” he told Bernama today.
Tun Abdullah’s personality and leadership were deeply cherished by the people, particularly in Kepala Batas, making him well-loved and respected by all, regardless of race, status or religion, said Penang UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir.
He said Pak Lah made significant contributions to the people of Penang, particularly in addressing poverty issues during his tenure as prime minister and state UMNO Liaison chairman.
Despite his busy responsibilities as prime minister, Musa said Tun Abdullah often met with UMNO grassroots leaders to understand local issues and assist in finding solutions.
Former Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon recalled their first meeting in April 1982 at a Barisan Nasional (BN) gathering of general election candidates in the state.
“He impressed me as a very kind and friendly leader, especially to me – a novice in politics. Soon after the elections, he was appointed as the Minister of Education. He was open-minded and responsive, playing a crucial role in working together to find workable and mutually acceptable solutions for issues related to Chinese education.
“We continued to visit Pak Lah for (Hari) Raya and other festivities even after he lost in party elections and was removed as a Minister. I vividly remember one afternoon in 1987 when I (then the political secretary to Chief Minister Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu) saw him and his wife, Datin Seri Endon, waiting for a taxi at the Penang International Airport. I drove them home to Kepala Batas,” he said.
Dr Koh, the former president of Gerakan, added that after Pak Lah became prime minister in 2003, he frequently returned to Penang and approved and launched several key state projects.
These included the Second Penang Bridge, the Northern Corridor Economic Region, the Light Rail Transit from Georgetown to Penang International Airport, the development of the new township Bandar Cassia in Batu Kawan and the Penang Bus Transit System.
Penang PPP deputy chairman M. Velliathum, who had known Pak Lah since childhood, described him as a calm, humble and approachable leader.
He said that upon forming the PPP branch in Kepala Batas in 2001, his relationship with Tun Abdullah grew closer and that they often met to discuss issues affecting the people, especially the local community.
“As the Member of Parliament for Kepala Batas, he always supported my efforts to champion the welfare of the Indian community (in Kepala Batas). He was always generous in offering encouragement, ideas and support, even while holding the country’s highest office.
“Whether I met him at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya or in our hometown, his personality never changed – always humble, full of integrity and treating everyone with kindness,” said Velliathum, also the Kepala Batas PPP Division chairman.
Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM) president Datuk Huan Cheng Guan described Pak Lah as an approachable leader willing to help anyone in need.
He said the development in Kepala Batas stood as a testament to Pak Lah’s significant contributions during his time as prime minister, which are still enjoyed by the people today.
Tun Abdullah, 85, passed away at the National Heart Institute at 7.10 pm yesterday and was laid to rest at the Heroes’ Mausoleum, National Mosque, at 2.30 pm today.
Born on Nov 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Abdullah served as the Member of Parliament for Kepala Batas from 1978 to 2008. He was Prime Minister from Oct 31, 2003, to April 3, 2009, after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad stepped down. — Bernama
