“A brother who was always there” – Najib Pays Tribute to Pak Lah, Court Allows Him to Attend State Funeral

Malaysia’s 5th Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi passed away last night (April 14) at the National Heart Institute (IJN).

Pak Lah is expected to be buried today (April 15) after Zohor prayer and the public is allowed to visit the National Mosque in KL today to pay their last respect. Jailed former Prime Minister, Najib Razak also had the opportunity to visit Pak Lah and pay his last respects.

His visit was granted by the Malaysian Prison Department and the Court, according to Lawyer Muhammad Shafee.

BERNAMA reported that Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah adjourned the trial until tomorrow and Najib arrived at the National Mosque at approximately 10.30 AM. Najib penned a heartfelt post which was shared on his Facebook last night, in which Najib reminisced the good times with Pak Lah.

“He was like a brother”

In his post, Najib said Pak Lah was a friend, a mentor, and a respected leader but that was not all. The deceased PM was also close to Najib and his family, and dubbed Pak Lah “a brother who was always there.”

“He was always happy to guide, advise, and teach.”

“Politically, he was someone with integrity. His leadership was not only based on accountability but also excellence.”

Najib also said that Pak Lah will always be remembered for his contributions to religion, race, and country, calling him a noble individual.

Najib reportedly left the National Mosque 10 minutes later after paying his respects.

He was Pak Lah’s deputy prime minister from 2004 to 2009 and replaced Pak Lah as the PM after the late leader faced intense pressure from within Umno following BN’s poor performance in the 2008 general election.

Also read: Rosmah Responds After Rumours Claiming Former PM Najib Passed Away in Hospital Go Viral