JUST IN: Malaysia’s Former PM Pak Lah Passes Away at the Age of 85 at IJN

Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, affectionately known as Pak Lah, passed away at 7.10 pm today (April 14) at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN).

According to a statement by IJN, Tun Abdullah was admitted yesterday morning after experiencing breathing difficulties. He was immediately placed under intensive care at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), where he was closely monitored by a team of cardiac specialists.

Despite all medical efforts, Tun Abdullah passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Tun Abdullah’s attending Consultant Cardiologist and Head of the Cardiology Department at IJN, Dato’ Dr Azmee Ghazi, also shared that Tun Abdullah carried himself with quiet strength and dignity.

“Even in his final moments, he remained calm and kind. It was truly an honour for our team to be by his side,” he said.

IJN ended its statement by stating that the family and Government of Malaysia will share funeral arrangements and official announcements in due course.

Former Minister of Health Khairy Jamaluddin, who is also Tun Abdullah’s son-in-law, shared an update about the former Prime Minister’s passing on Instagram. In his Instagram story, he wrote,

“Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the 5th Prime Minister of Malaysia, has returned to the mercy of God at 7:10 PM at the National Heart Institute (IJN), KL. May Allah SWT shower His mercy upon the soul of the late Tun and place his soul among the righteous and faithful. Al-Fatihah.”

Pak Lah was born on November 26, 1939 in Bayan Lepas, Penang and served as Malaysia’s Prime Minister from 2003 to 2009, after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s 22-year tenure.

Stay tuned for more updates.