PAK LAH'S CALM DEMEANOUR WAS HIS GREATEST STRENGTH - AZALINA

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- The late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's calm demeanour was his greatest strength, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, in remembering Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister.

Azalina said Abdullah’s calm and composed nature instilled confidence in everyone around him, particularly the younger generation venturing into politics.

“The late Tun Abdullah was a visionary leader - calm, composed, never quick to anger or judge, and always choosing to see the good in others,” said Azalina during a phone interview on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara tonight.

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She added that Abdullah’s rare leadership style, especially in handling pressure with grace, earned him deep respect among his peers and the younger generation.

“What struck me most was his willingness to make personal political sacrifices for the party. If we look at his journey in UMNO - he was once a minister, removed from office, returned as a minister, rose to Deputy Prime Minister, and eventually became Prime Minister,” she said.

Apart from that, Azalina said Tun Abdullah’s calm demeanour served as an inspiration to many politicians, particularly the younger generation.

“I was part of the Puteri UMNO leadership when it was established as a new wing. It was no longer seen as just a ‘puteri’ club but a serious political movement.

“Many opportunities were given – from the state level to the state assembly and Parliament. That is his legacy,” she said, adding that Abdullah placed immense trust in the youth's potential to contribute to both party and national politics.

Meanwhile, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan described the late Abdullah as a moderate yet visionary leader who placed strong emphasis on human capital development during his tenure.

He said the former Prime Minister was also widely respected for his moral integrity and non-confrontational leadership style.

“He never sought confrontation in his speeches - always calm in his explanations, never resorting to insults or attacking his political opponents. It reflected his deeply religious nature, refined character, and strong moral values,” he said.

Former Deputy Education Minister Datuk P. Kamalanathan recalled a touching memory that highlighted Abdullah’s humility and attentiveness as a national leader.

“In 2004 or 2005, I organised a Pongal celebration in Rawang aimed at setting a national record. We had only sent a simple letter to Tun Abdullah. To our great surprise, we received a personal response from him, along with a special speech he had prepared for the event,” Kamalanathan said.

Meanwhile, National Council of Professors fellow Azmi Hassan praised Abdullah’s principled leadership, calling him a ‘true statesman’ who balanced humility with firmness.

“Despite navigating a complex and often turbulent political landscape, he remained unshaken in his integrity. His reputation as ‘Mr Clean’ spoke volumes of his stance against corruption and immorality,” Azmi added.

Abdullah, 85, passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) here, at 7.10 pm today.

-- BERNAMA