‘Work with me, not for me’: How Pak Lah’s humility helped shape Malaysia’s economic and human capital development

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 — Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, affectionately known as Pak Lah, passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at 7.10pm. The news was confirmed by his son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, on Instagram.

Known for his calm demeanor and firm sense of justice, Pak Lah led Malaysia with a fresh perspective when he assumed office as the fifth prime minister in 2003. He emphasized balanced development, human capital growth, and economic transformation rooted in fairness and inclusivity.

One of his defining legacies was the creation of five economic corridors — Iskandar Malaysia, the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), the East Coast Economic Region, the Sabah Development Corridor, and the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy. These initiatives aimed to stimulate regional growth and reduce economic disparity, particularly in rural areas.

Pak Lah’s foresight in agriculture was equally impactful. At a time when industrialization dominated the national agenda, he prioritized modernizing the agriculture sector through innovation and professional expertise, foreseeing the current challenges in food security and import dependency.

A strong advocate for human capital development, he was later honored as the Father of Malaysia’s Human Capital Development. His leadership saw a major focus on empowering youth and strengthening personal values through the concept of Islam Hadhari — a moderate, civilizational approach to Islam that emphasized balance in physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Pak Lah also championed civil service reforms, approving significant salary increases and cost of living adjustments for over a million public servants, including the armed forces and police. In 2008, he enabled thousands of civil servants to switch back to the pension scheme and revised long-standing pension rates to better match living costs.

Beyond economic reforms, he laid the foundation for Malaysia’s leadership in the global halal industry. Through the establishment of the Halal Development Corporation in 2006, he propelled Malaysia’s certification system to international prominence. Even after leaving office, his commitment continued through initiatives like Azka Capital, a private equity firm focused on global halal opportunities.

When he stepped down in 2009, Pak Lah was seen off with admiration and respect by his staff. Today, Malaysians mourn a leader remembered not only for his accomplishments but also for his humility, warmth, and unwavering commitment to the people.

Soft-spoken yet deeply principled, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi leaves behind a legacy of integrity, compassion, and visionary leadership. He may be gone, but the impact of his work will continue to shape Malaysia for generations to come. — Bernama