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Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Abdullah Badawi's poetry, not infrastructure, is his legacy, says son at MRSM renaming in Kepala Batas
KEPALA BATAS, May 12 — The family of Malaysia's fifth Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi described the renaming of Kepala Batas Junior Science College (MRSM) to Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi MRSM as a profound honour and recognition to his legacy. Abdullah's son, Tan Sri Kamaluddin said the renaming held special significance as it was in his father's former parliamentary constituency of Kepala Batas. 'It really is a very meaningful gesture as the college is in Kepala Batas, a place close to Pak Lah's (Abdullah) heart. This is where he was born, grew up, educated and where he, along with his parents were laid to rest. He also served the people of Kepala Batas for over three decades. 'On behalf of our family, I extend our gratitude to the Malaysian government, the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) and also Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, all leaders and the people of Kepala Batas for bestowing this honour upon my father today,' he said during a speech at the renaming ceremony here today. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister officiated the ceremony, while Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Rural and Regional Development Ministry secretary-general Datuk Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar and Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid were also present. Kamaluddin shared that following his father's death, his family had received many visitors offering their condolences and shared personal stories about Abdullah, many of which highlighted his calm patient nature. To them, Abdullah was a man who treated everyone with respect, regardless of status and never drew distinctions between people. 'To truly understand who Abdullah was, we need only read his collected works of poetry 'Mencari Damai Abadi'. That was who Pak Lah really was, a humble man who lived his life according to Allah's teachings, a simple soul chosen to lead a nation. 'His poetry is his legacy, not roads, bridges or skyscrapers. They offer a way of life for us as a guide till the hereafter,' he added. — Bernama
New Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
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."
