KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak made a discreet appearance at the National Mosque today to pay his final respects to the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Clad in black and escorted by Federal Reserve Unit personnel, Najib entered the mosque via a back entrance, avoiding the media as he quietly stood before Abdullah’s casket to offer a prayer.
His attendance came after the High Court granted him temporary leave from his ongoing 1MDB trial. The somber occasion also drew the presence of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who paid tribute to his once-successor despite past political differences. Dr Mahathir lauded Abdullah for leading Barisan Nasional to a historic landslide victory in 2004 and, more notably, for his graceful exit from office after the coalition’s weaker performance in the 2008 general election.
“That was the Malaysian way,” Dr Mahathir said, commending Abdullah’s decision to step down peacefully and hand over the reins to Najib. Tun Abdullah, who served as Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister from 2003 to 2009, is remembered for his moderate leadership and personal humility. As the nation mourns his passing, tributes continue to pour in, highlighting his legacy of calm governance and his role in setting an example of peaceful political transition in Malaysia.
