Renaming MRSM Kepala Batas after Pak Lah a meaningful tribute, says Kamaluddin
KEPALA BATAS: Tan Sri Kamaluddin Abdullah expressed his gratitude to Malaysians, the government and close family friends for honouring his late father, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Speaking at a ceremony to rename Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) Kepala Batas MRSM Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Kamaluddin said it was never easy for a son to speak about losing a father, more so when the wound was fresh.
The full hall was silent as he paused briefly before continuing, "Please forgive me if I get emotional."
Kamaluddin extended his thanks to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Mara chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Kepala Batas Umno chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, and many others who had stood by the family during this period of mourning.
"Thank you to the entire government and everyone in Kepala Batas — friends, officers, neighbours and comrades — who worked so hard to ensure my father was honoured with such dignity.
"It means even more that this tribute took place here in Kepala Batas, his hometown, where he grew up, served."
Kamaluddin reflected on the decades his father, affectionately known as Pak Lah, devoted to Kepala Batas, saying for over 30 years, the district received Abdullah's love and service.
"This is where his journey began, and it's only fitting it ends here — surrounded by those who knew him best," he said.
Kamaluddin also spoke about the bond he shared with his father.
"In our youth, we talked about heroes — Batman, Superman. But for me, my father was always my real hero.
"My mother once told me, 'You don't need to look far for a role model. Just look at your father.'
"I pray that by the end of my own life, my children will honour me the way I honour him," he added.
He said since Abdullah's death, countless people had come forward with condolences and personal stories about Abdullah's patience, humility and compassion.
"He never saw status — whether you were a national leader, a fisherman or a farmer, he treated everyone with equal kindness," he said of his father.
Kamaluddin also invited Malaysians to reflect on Abdullah's legacy through his poem "Ku Cari Damai Abadi", which he described as a window into the soul of the man.
"That poem tells you who he truly was — a humble servant of Allah who believed in peace, faith and duty.
"His legacy is not found in towering buildings or titles, but in the way he lived — a guide for us and future generations.
"If we truly internalise his words, this world will be a more peaceful and loving place, InsyaAllah," he said.
"On behalf of my family, thank you — for remembering my father, for honouring him.
"Only Allah can repay the love you have shown to our beloved Babah."
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