Pak Lah's love for crafts and Melaka remembered by state governor
AYER KEROH: Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam described the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as a people-centric leader who was always calm yet firm in his approach during his time leading the nation.
Recalling his time with the former prime minister, Mohd Ali said Abdullah, affectionately known as Pak Lah, always prioritised the nation's interests and the well-being of the people.
He said that during his tenure as chief minister when Abdullah was prime minister, many issues affecting the people of Melaka were resolved, including flood problems, with drainage upgrade projects being implemented promptly.
He said this involved areas under the administration of the Melaka City Council (MBMB) Phase Two, covering borders from Kampung Duyung to Bukit Katil, Kampung Durian Daun to Sungai Melaka, and Kampung Chetty to Tengkera, with an allocation of RM80.96 million.
"Abdullah also approved RM90.4 million for the beautification and cleaning of the Melaka River under Phases One and Four, covering the stretch from the Hang Tuah Bridge to the Hang Jebat Bridge, as well as RM188.2 million for the upgrading and extension of the runway at the Melaka International Airport in Batu Berendam," he said in his speech when officiating the 15th Melaka State Legislative Assembly at Seri Negeri today.
Also present was Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
Mohd Ali said that in honour of Abdullah's iconic slogan 'Excellence, Glory, and Distinction' the state government built and named a building 'Kota Cemerlang' at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) intersection.
"I also recall fond memories with the late Abdullah, who would often take the route from Alor Gajah town to Simpang Ampat after his duties in Melaka just to observe the roadside stalls selling handicrafts.
"This was because Pak Lah had a great interest in handicrafts and batik.
"During the final moments of his life, he managed to visit Melaka for a holiday with his wife, Tun Jeanne Abdullah, visited the Istana Melaka with his family, and enjoyed cendol in Kampung Hulu by the Melaka River on Dec 10 last year."
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