Abdullah Ahmad Badawi dies at 85 after a long struggle with heart disease

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi passed away on April 14, 2025, at the age of 85 at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur. He had been admitted to the hospital the previous day after experiencing breathing difficulties and was placed under intensive care. Despite medical efforts, Abdullah died surrounded by family. His decline in health was previously noted, as his son-in-law disclosed in 2022 that he had been struggling with dementia, which had progressively worsened. Abdullah was known for his moderate governance and commitment to political reforms during his tenure from 2003 to 2009. His leadership was marked by a transition from the authoritarian rule of his predecessor, Mahathir Mohamad, to a more open political environment. Abdullah's administration aimed to address corruption and enhance civil rights, making promises to eradicate corruption and improve the judiciary. However, his leadership faced significant criticism due to perceived ineffectiveness and inability to fulfill these promises, leading to his eventual resignation under pressure following disappointing election results. Born on November 26, 1939, in Penang, Malaysia, Abdullah's career in politics began with his involvement in the United Malays National Organization (UMNO). He rose through the ranks, serving as defense minister and later as foreign minister before becoming deputy prime minister in 1999. His ascent to the prime ministership was celebrated by many as a new beginning for Malaysia. However, the initial enthusiasm waned as protests and calls for reform mounted, ultimately culminating in the loss of support for his government in the 2008 elections. Abdullah's legacy is a complicated one, marked by both aspirations for reform and the challenges of leading in a time of increasing public demand for changes. His death is seen as the end of an era in Malaysian politics, reflecting on a leader who sought to navigate the complexities of governance while coming to terms with the realities of political opposition and public expectation.