Former Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Passes Away at 85

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi passed away on Monday at the age of 85, his family and medical officials confirmed.

Abdullah, who served as Malaysia’s fifth prime minister, assumed office in 2003 following the resignation of long-serving leader Mahathir Mohamad, who had led the country for 22 years. Abdullah’s tenure was marked by efforts to promote anti-corruption measures, civil service reforms, and moderate Islamic values.

According to a statement from the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur, Abdullah was admitted on Sunday after experiencing breathing difficulties and was placed under intensive care. He passed away at 7:10 p.m. local time (11:10 GMT) on Monday.

His son-in-law, former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin, confirmed the news through an Instagram post, although he did not disclose the exact cause of death.