Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

Abdullah was born on 26 November 1939{{cite web |date=15 April 2025 |title=Former PM Abdullah Badawi laid to rest at National Heroes' Mausoleum |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/15/former-pm-abdullah-badawi-laid-to-rest-at-national-heroes-mausoleum/173163 |accessdate=16 April 2025 |website=Malay Mail |quote=Born on November 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Abdullah served as the Member of Parliament for Kepala Batas from 1978 to 2008. He was appointed prime minister on October 31, 2003, following the resignation of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and served until April 3, 2009. He died at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur at 7:10pm yesterday. He was 85.}}{{cite web |date=15 April 2025 |title=Remembering Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi: 7 facts about Malaysia's fifth Prime Minister |url=https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/107010/remembering-tun-abdullah-ahmad-badawi-7-facts-about-malaysias-fifth-prime-minister |accessdate=16 April 2025 |website=The Vibes |quote=Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was born on 26 November 1939 in Kampung Perlis, Bayan Lepas, Penang. He was the eldest son in a family with deep religious roots. His father, Haji Ahmad bin Haji Abdullah Fahim, was a respected Islamic scholar in Penang and part of a distinguished lineage of ulama.}} in Kampung Perlis, Bayan Lepas, Penang, into a prominent religious family. His paternal grandfather, Syeikh Abdullah Badawi Fahim, was of Hadrami descent and was a respected religious scholar and nationalist. He was among the founding members of Hizbul Muslimin, which later evolved into the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), and served as the first Mufti of Penang following Malaysia’s independence.Noor, Elina, Noor, Ismail. Pak Lah: A Sense of Accountability–An Insight Into Effective Stewardship, Utusan Publications & Distributors, 2003, {{ISBN|978-967-61-1492-1}}.[http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/13/nation/20311624&sec=nation "Case of three Abdullah Badawi's at launching of Institute"], The Star, 13 February 2008. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608152351/http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2008%2F2%2F13%2Fnation%2F20311624&sec=nation |date=8 June 2011 }}.

His father, Ahmad Badawi, was a religious teacher and active member of UMNO. His mother, Kailan Haji Hassan, died in Kuala Lumpur on 2 February 2004 at the age of 80.{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2004/02/03/pak-lahs-mother-dies-at-78/|title=Pak Lah's mother dies at 78|work=The Star Online|date=3 February 2004}} Abdullah's maternal grandfather, Ha Su-chiang ({{lang-zh|s=哈苏璋|t=哈蘇璋|p=Hā Sūzhāng}}), also known as Hassan Salleh, was an Utsul Muslim from Sanya, Hainan.Backman, Michael. Asia Future Shock: Business Crisis and Opportunity in the Coming Years, Palgrave Macmillan, 2008, {{ISBN|978-0-230-00677-5}}, p. 133.[http://pgoh13.com/pm_chinese.html PM meets relatives from China] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115003058/http://pgoh13.com/pm_chinese.html |date=15 November 2013 }}, The Star Online, 22 December 2003.[http://comment.straitstimes.com/showthread.php?t=13501&page=3 "UMNO man and that 'immigrants' remark suspended"]{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite web|url=http://radaris.asia/p/Su/Chiang/|title=Radaris Asia: Looking for Su Chiang? What's a background check?}}[http://www.colorq.org/meltingpot/article.aspx?d=Asia&x=MalayChinese "Chinese/Native intermarriage in Austronesian Asia"].

Abdullah received his early education at Permatang Bertam Primary School, Kepala Batas from 1947. Then, he continued his secondary education at Bukit Mertajam High School and later attended Methodist Boys' School, Penang for his sixth form. In 1964, he graduated from the University of Malaya with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Islamic Studies.{{cite web|url=http://www.perdana.org.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=188&Itemid=140 |title=Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi: Full Biography |url-status=dead |access-date=26 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312172221/http://www.perdana.org.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=188&Itemid=140 |archive-date=12 March 2012 }}

After graduating from the University of Malaya, he joined the Malaysian Administrative and Diplomatic Corps (PTD) in 1964.{{cite web|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2017/10/339412/ptd-muda-perlu-patuhi-ikrar-perkhidmatan/|title=PTD muda perlu patuhi ikrar perkhidmatan|language=ms|website=Berita Harian Online|date=19 October 2017|accessdate=16 April 2025}} He served as Director of Youth's Ministry Department at the Ministry of Youth and Sport as well as member of the National Operations Council (MAGERAN). He resigned in 1978 to become a member of parliament for his constituency of Kepala Batas in northern Seberang Perai (which had also been represented by his father).{{cite web|url=https://malaysiagazette.com/2017/10/19/tun-abdullah-dianugerah-felo-intan/|title=Tun Abdullah dianugerah Felo Intan|language=ms|website=Malaysia Gazette|date=19 October 2017|accessdate=16 April 2025}}

{{see also|1988 Malaysian constitutional crisis|Anwar Ibrahim sodomy trials}}

After Abdullah was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kepala Batas in 1978 general election, he served as the parliamentary secretary to the minister of federal territories from 1978 until 1980 and deputy minister of federal territories from 1980 until 1981. Brought on as a minister without portfolio in 1981,{{Cite Hansard |jurisdiction=Malaysia |title=Ahli-Ahli Dewan Rakyat |url=http://www.parlimen.gov.my/files/hindex/pdf/DR-12101981.pdf |house=Dewan Rakyat |hansard=Penyataan Rasmi Parlimen |date=1981-10-12 |volume=25 |language=ms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231061842/http://www.parlimen.gov.my/files/hindex/pdf/DR-12101981.pdf |archive-date=2023-12-31 |url-status=live}} he was responsible for the implementation of the Look East policy.{{Cite journal |last=Ahmad |first=Zakaria Haji |date=1985 |title=Malaysia in 1984: No More Free Lunches? |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/2644304 |journal=Asian Survey |volume=25 |issue=2 |pages=206–213 |doi=10.2307/2644304 |jstor=2644304 |issn=0004-4687}}

When a dispute erupted within the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) divided it into two camps, colloquially known as 'Team A' and 'Team B', comprising Mahathir loyalists and supporters of former finance minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and former deputy prime minister Musa Hitam, Abdullah was removed from his position as defence minister. However, he did not join the now-defunct Semangat 46 (Spirit 46) splinter party set up by Tengku Razaleigh. Instead, Mahathir brought Abdullah into the pro tem committee of the reconstituted UMNO (Baru) or New UMNO as its vice-president upon the party's founding in February 1988.{{cn|date=April 2025}} During a cabinet reshuffle in 1991, Mahathir brought him back into government as the minister of foreign affairs.{{cn|date=April 2025}} Despite losing the vice presidency in the 1993 UMNO elections, he remained in government.{{cn|date=April 2025}}

In January 1999, Abdullah was appointed acting deputy president in UMNO and deputy prime minister, replacing Anwar Ibrahim in both roles after the latter was removed removed from government, expelled from UMNO, and arrested, sparking the Reformasi movement. Chosen by Mahathir as his candidate for deputy president in the 2000 United Malays National Organisation leadership election, Abdullah was perceived as a political lightweight that did not possess enough political influence or support to challenge Mahathir's preeminence within the party. This was attributed to his refusal to engage in money politics, which prevented him from building a base. The election was held under rules that prohibited anyone else from contesting the positions of president and deputy president.{{Cite journal |last=Chin |first=James |date=2000 |title=Mahathir's Black Eye |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/45234956 |journal=New Zealand International Review |volume=25 |issue=5 |pages=19–23 |jstor=45234956 |issn=0110-0262}}

{{Infobox administration

| image = File:Abdullah Badawi 2008 elections (cropped).jpg

| image_size = 200px

| caption = Abdullah in 2008

| term_start = 31 October 2003

| term_end = 2 April 2009

| premier = Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

| premier_link = Prime Minister of Malaysia

| cabinet = {{hlist|Abdullah I|Abdullah II}}

| party = BN–UMNO

| election = {{hlist|2004|2008}}

| monarch = Sirajuddin
Mizan Zainal Abidin

| seat = Seri Perdana

| predecessor = Mahathir (1st)

| successor = Najib

| official_url =

}}

Becoming prime minister after Mahathir's resignation in October 2003, Abdullah entered office espousing a populist reform agenda. Some of his first acts in government were to shelve several mega-projects initiated under Mahathir that were perceived as wasteful and associated with political corruption, establish a royal commission to investigate allegations of corruption in the police force and propose reform, and introduce a code of ethics requiring cabinet ministers and elected representatives to declare their assets. Multiple anti-corruption investigations were also launched against government officials and businessmen that resulted in arrests. He also broke with past practice and appointed professionals to head government-linked companies instead of politicians, calling for an end to the culture of the "iron rice bowl" and towards a culture rewarding performance.{{Cite journal |last=Martinez |first=Patricia A |date=2005 |title=MALAYSIA IN 2004: Abdullah Badawi Defines his Leadership |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/27913283 |journal=Southeast Asian Affairs |pages=191–210 |jstor=27913283 |issn=0377-5437}}

Abdullah's personal popularity, as well as a nonconfrontational style of government that was favourably compared to his predecessor's perceived authoritarianism, delivered him a resounding victory in the 2004 Malaysian general election, where his Barisan Nasional coalition secured 198 out of 219 available seats.{{Cite journal |last=Caballero-Anthony |first=Mely |date=2005 |title=Political Transitions in Southeast Asia |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/27913274 |journal=Southeast Asian Affairs |pages=24–44 |doi=10.1355/SEAA05B |jstor=27913274 |issn=0377-5437}} However, observers noted that redelineation exercises the previous year under Mahathir also played a factor in the scale of victory.{{Cite journal |last=Liow |first=Joseph |date=2005 |title=The Politics behind Malaysia's Eleventh General Election |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/as.2005.45.6.907 |journal=Asian Survey |volume=45 |issue=6 |pages=907–930 |doi=10.1525/as.2005.45.6.907 |jstor=10.1525/as.2005.45.6.907 |issn=0004-4687}}File:Abdullah badawi bush powell.jpg at the White House in 2004]]The momentum of reform slowed after the 2004 general election, and Malaysia's ranking in that year's Corruption Perceptions Index fell two places from 37th to 39th. The continued prevalence of money politics in the 2004 UMNO election, coupled with an abortive attempt to appoint Abdullah's son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, to head a government-linked company cast a shadow on the former's reform agenda, which faltered with the defeat of his supporters in the party's leadership election by conservative elements; the party itself was resistant to the kind of reform Abdullah wanted to institute as its organisation and the loyalties of its middle- and lower-rung leaders relied on political patronage that took the form of government contracts and development funds.{{Cite journal |last=Case |first=William |date=2008 |title=Malaysia in 2007: High Corruption and Low Opposition |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/as.2008.48.1.47 |journal=Asian Survey |volume=48 |issue=1 |pages=47–54 |doi=10.1525/as.2008.48.1.47 |jstor=10.1525/as.2008.48.1.47 |issn=0004-4687}}

Instead, Abdullah shifted towards attempting a reform of political culture within the country, introducing the concept of Islam Hadhari, a moderate-to-progressive interpretation of Islam that called for religious tolerance and modernity. Crucially, it appropriated what had been the opposition Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS)'s themes of social justice and distributive equality that had helped them secure electoral gains against UMNO in the 1999 Malaysian general election.{{Cite journal |last=Welsh |first=Bridget |date=2005 |title=Malaysia in 2004: Out of Mahathir's Shadow? |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/as.2005.45.1.153 |journal=Asian Survey |volume=45 |issue=1 |pages=153–160 |doi=10.1525/as.2005.45.1.153 |jstor=10.1525/as.2005.45.1.153 |issn=0004-4687}}

On the economic front, Malaysia experienced steady economic growth throughout Abdullah's years in office, but inflation remained a persistent issue. Under his administration, the Malaysian ringgit's peg to the US Dollar was ended in 2005. The agricultural sector, traditionally neglected in favour of the industrial and services industries, received significant investment from Abdullah's government.{{Cite journal |last=Nathan |first=K.S. |date=2006 |title=MALAYSIA: The Challenge of Money Politics and Religious Activism |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/27913308 |journal=Southeast Asian Affairs |pages=151–171 |doi=10.1355/SEAA06J |jstor=27913308 |issn=0377-5437}} When rising costs led to the government lowering petrol subsidies in 2006, street protests were launched in response. These were violently dispersed by riot police. Further plans for restructuring government subsidies in the face of rising fuel prices internationally also faced criticism as Malaysia was at the time a net exporter of petroleum and natural gas.{{Cite web |date=2007-12-27 |title=As Malaysia struggles with rising fuel subsidy bill, government eyes reform {{!}} GSI |url=https://www.iisd.org/gsi/news-events/malaysia-struggles-rising-fuel-subsidy-bill-government-eyes-reform |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624020652/https://www.iisd.org/gsi/news-events/malaysia-struggles-rising-fuel-subsidy-bill-government-eyes-reform |archive-date=2019-06-24 |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=www.iisd.org |publisher=Global Subsidies Initiative |language=en}} The Ninth Malaysia Plan launched by Abdullah covering government expenditure from 2006 to 2010 retained much of the costly and divisive positive discriminatory measures introduced by the New Economic Policy.{{Cite news |date=15 June 2006 |title=Moaning Mahathir |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2006/06/15/moaning-mahathir |access-date=17 April 2025 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}}

By 2007, a slew of scandals had left a severe dent in public confidence in Abdullah's premiership. These included the acquittal of businessman Eric Chia, among the first to be arrested in the anti-corruption drive at the beginning of Abdullah's premiership, the murder of Shaariibuugiin Altantuyaa by two members of the police, which implicated deputy prime minister Najib Razak, as well as corruption allegations leveled against government ministers, the anti-corruption agency chief, inspector general of police, and the chief justice, among others.{{Cite news |date=22 March 2007 |title=Cleaning up? |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2007/03/22/cleaning-up |access-date=17 April 2025 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}} Abdullah himself was also accused of engaging in nepotism.{{Cite journal |last=Singh |first=Bilveer |date=2009 |title=Malaysia in 2008: The Elections That Broke the Tiger's Back |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/as.2009.49.1.156 |journal=Asian Survey |volume=49 |issue=1 |pages=156–165 |doi=10.1525/as.2009.49.1.156 |jstor=10.1525/as.2009.49.1.156 |issn=0004-4687}} Mahathir had also began to openly criticise Abdullah after the latter cancelled a major infrastructure project in 2006, one of the last decided upon by Mahathir before he left office, going as far as saying he regretted choosing Abdullah as his successor.{{Cite journal |last=Derichs |first=Claudia |date=2007 |title=Malaysia in 2006: An Old Tiger Roars |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/as.2007.47.1.148 |journal=Asian Survey |volume=47 |issue=1 |pages=148–154 |doi=10.1525/as.2007.47.1.148 |jstor=10.1525/as.2007.47.1.148 |issn=0004-4687}} Conversely, his administration's decision to resume a number of high-profile mega-projects such as the Bakun Dam elicited public criticism in the face of rising costs of living.

Malay nationalist sentiment was also played up by leading UMNO politicians such as Hishammuddin Hussein, who infamously brandished the keris, a traditional dagger with cultural significance in three successive UMNO general assemblies, which was interpreted by non-Malay communities as a threat not to encroach on the special position of Malays.{{Cite journal |last1=Fong |first1=Yang L. |last2=Ishak |first2=Md Sidin Ahmad |date=2014 |title=Framing interethnic conflict in Malaysia: A comparative analysis of newspapers coverage on the keris polemics |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24735560 |journal=Ethnicities |volume=14 |issue=2 |pages=252–278 |doi=10.1177/1468796813482310 |jstor=24735560 |issn=1468-7968}} The continued deterioration of relations between the country's ethnic and religious groups coincided with a rise in Islamist sentiment in the country that the government promoted, with Abdullah openly referring to the country as an "Islamic state".{{Cite journal |last=Guan |first=Lee Hock |date=2008 |title=MALAYSIA IN 2007: Abdullah Administration under Siege |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/27913359 |journal=Southeast Asian Affairs |pages=187–206 |jstor=27913359 |issn=0377-5437}}

The government at this time was also rocked by two successive large-scale public protests, the first for free-and-fair elections and the second by the country's Indian minority against racial discrimination. Both were dispersed with the use of tear gas and chemical-laced water cannons by armed riot police.{{Cite web |date=25 November 2011 |title=Police break up Malaysia protest |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/11/25/police-break-up-malaysia-protest |access-date=17 April 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=10 November 2007 |title=Tear gas fired at Malaysia rally |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/11/10/tear-gas-fired-at-malaysia-rally/ |access-date=17 April 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} As many as 12 members of the opposition were also arrested for their participation in the protests which were deemed illegal.{{Cite web |date=10 December 2007 |title=Malaysia PM 'will defend stability' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2007/12/10/malaysia-pm-will-defend-stability |access-date=17 April 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

These events precipitated Barisan Nasional's poor showing in the 2008 Malaysian general election held in March, where the ruling coalition lost its two-thirds majority in parliament and control over four state governments to a united opposition riding on popular discontent. Abdullah and his government's reputation was further damaged in September that year when it invoked the Internal Security Act to arrest opposition parliamentarian Teresa Kok, online blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin, and journalist Tan Hoon Cheng, which prompted law minister Zaid Ibrahim to resign in opposition.

Faced with an broadly liberal opposition seen as a threat to Malay supremacy, the poor performance of UMNO in the 2008 election also had the effect of strengthening the Malay monarchies that served as symbolic protectors of Malay interests, which contrasted with their previous position during Mahathir's premiership.{{Cite journal |last1=Abdul Hamid |first1=Ahmad Fauzi |last2=Ismail |first2=Muhamad Takiyuddin |date=2012 |title=The Monarchy and Party Politics in Malaysia in the Era of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (2003–09): The Resurgence of the Role of Protector |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/as.2012.52.5.924 |journal=Asian Survey |volume=52 |issue=5 |pages=900–923 |doi=10.1525/as.2012.52.5.924 |jstor=10.1525/as.2012.52.5.924 |issn=0004-4687}}

In contrast to Mahathir, Abdullah's administration adopted a "moderate and low profile approach" to foreign policy, doing away with the former's confrontational, often anti-Western attitude.{{Cite journal |last=Dosch |first=Jörn |date=2014 |title=Mahathirism and Its Legacy in Malaysia's Foreign Policy |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44162324 |journal=European Journal of East Asian Studies |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=5–32 |doi=10.1163/15700615-01301003 |jstor=44162324 |issn=1568-0584}}{{Cite report |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep47431.6 |title=Malaysia's National Interests and Threat Assessment of the United States and China |last1=Ping |first1=Hoo Chiew |last2=Busbarat |first2=Pongphisoot |last3=Vannarith |first3=Chheang |last4=Ha |first4=HOANG Thi |last5=Ho |first5=Benjamin Tze Ern |last6=Ping |first6=HOO Chiew |last7=Mantong |first7=Andrew Wiguna |last8=Ngoc |first8=NGUYEN Thi Bich |last9=Rabena |first9=Aaron Jed |date=2022 |publisher=Asan Institute for Policy Studies |pages=46–63}}

Relations with Singapore, with whom the previous administration frequently clashed with over issues such as Batu Puteh and the supply of raw water improved. Meanwhile, relations with Myanmar and Thailand cooled as a result of the former's persecution of Rohingya Muslims and the latter's killings of ethnic Malays during the South Thailand insurgency.{{Cite journal |last=Welsh |first=Bridget |date=2005 |title=Malaysia in 2004: Out of Mahathir's Shadow? |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/as.2005.45.1.153 |journal=Asian Survey |volume=45 |issue=1 |pages=153–160 |doi=10.1525/as.2005.45.1.153 |jstor=10.1525/as.2005.45.1.153 |issn=0004-4687}} Malaysia's relations with Indonesia warmed at the beginning of Abdullah's premiership but became increasingly strained later on as cases of mistreatment against Indonesian migrant workers and the Malaysian government's heavy handed approach to illegal Indonesian immigrants elicited public outcry in the neighbouring state.

Abdullah's promotion of Islam Hadhari in the context of the War on terror was welcomed by the United States, with whom the Malaysian government cooperated with in the former's efforts to combat Islamist terrorism internationally. Nevertheless, it opposed the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Negotiations for a free trade agreement with the United States began in 2005 but were never concluded. Relations were complicated when it was revealed that a Malaysian company was manufacturing parts for the Libyan nuclear programme and various Malaysian companies were implicated in smuggling military parts to Iran.{{Cite web |title=Malaysia's axis mysteriously shifting |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/IH28Ae01.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622095751/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/IH28Ae01.html |archive-date=22 June 2011 |access-date=17 April 2025 |website=www.atimes.com |language=en}}

During Abdullah's tenure, Malaysia sought closer ties with China and signed several agreements as part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including the ASEAN–China free trade agreement. Malaysia and China also released two joint communiqués and signed a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation in 2004 and 2005.

Abdullah's government supported both the United States and China's efforts to resolve the issue of North Korean nuclear proliferation through the Six-Party Talks, and Kuala Lumpur served as a platform for secret meetings and negotiations.

Despite the ongoing Darfur genocide, Abdullah's government continued to invest in Sudan's oil industry, in which Malaysia was the second-largest shareholder behind China. Abdullah expressed support for the Sudanese government's policy towards Darfur.{{Cite book |last=Shinn |first=David H. |title=Sudan: a country study |date=1992 |publisher=Federal Research Division, Library of Congress |isbn=978-0-8444-0750-0 |editor-last=Berry |editor-first=LaVerle |edition=5th |series=Area handbook series |location=Washington, D.C |pages=291 }}

Blamed for the coalition's poor performance in the 2008 Malaysian general election, Abdullah was put under increasing pressure to resign as prime minister by coalition partners and UMNO leaders alike. Mahathir's announcement that he was leaving UMNO in May was widely understood as an attempt to force Abdullah's resignation.{{cite web |date=20 May 2008 |title=Dr M quits Umno |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2008/05/20/dr-m-quits-umno/ |access-date=28 August 2018 |website=The Star Online}} There were also fears that Sabah and Sarawak-based parties in the Barisan Nasional coalition might switch allegiances to the opposition led by Anwar Ibrahim.{{Cite journal |last=Singh |first=Bilveer |date=2009 |title=Malaysia in 2008: The Elections That Broke the Tiger's Back |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/as.2009.49.1.156 |journal=Asian Survey |volume=49 |issue=1 |pages=156–165 |doi=10.1525/as.2009.49.1.156 |jstor=10.1525/as.2009.49.1.156 |issn=0004-4687}}

On 10 July 2008, Abdullah announced he would step down as UMNO president and prime minister in 2009. During the UMNO general assembly on 1 April 2009, Abdullah stood down as party president in favour of his deputy, Najib Razak{{cite web |date=2 April 2009 |title=Abdullah's boon to Kepala Batas folk |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F4%2F3%2Fnation%2F3618859&sec=nation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403234951/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F4%2F3%2Fnation%2F3618859&sec=nation |archive-date=3 April 2009 |access-date=2016-02-08 |work=The Star |df=dmy-all}} and was succeeded by him as prime minister on 3 April 2009.[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2009/04/2009431151986551.html "New Malaysian PM sworn in"], Al Jazeera. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605181330/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2009/04/2009431151986551.html|date=5 June 2011}}.

Abdullah was subsequently conferred with the title of "Tun" by the King of Malaysia, Mizan Zainal Abidin for his services to the nation.[http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/21935-exit-pm-pak-lah-enter-tun-abdullah "Exit PM Pak Lah, enter Tun Abdullah"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720125628/http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/21935-exit-pm-pak-lah-enter-tun-abdullah|date=20 July 2011}}.[http://www.nst.com.my/Friday/Frontpage/20090403103511/Article/index_html Najib sworn in, Tunship for Abdullah and wife], 2009/04/03, New Straits Times Online {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819233106/https://www.nst.com.my/Friday/Frontpage/20090403103511/Article/index_html|date=19 August 2018}}

File:Badawi+wife01.jpg

Abdullah met Endon while he was working at the Federal Establishment Office (now the Public Service Department) in the 1960s and they were married in 1965. They had two children, a son {{ill|Kamaluddin Abdullah|ms|Kamaluddin Abdullah}} and a daughter, Nori Abdullah, who is married to Khairy Jamaluddin. Both Abdullah and Endon had four grandchildren.

On 20 October 2005, Abdullah Badawi's wife, Endon Mahmood, died of breast cancer. Endon discovered the disease in 2003 while her twin sister Noraini, who had earlier been diagnosed with the same illness, died in January 2003. She received treatment in the United States and returned to Malaysia 18 days before her death. She is buried at a Muslim cemetery, at Taman Selatan, Precinct 20, Putrajaya.{{Cite web |date=2005-10-21 |title=Endon laid to rest at cemetery in Precinct 20 |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2005/10/21/endon-laid-to-rest-at-cemetery-in-precinct-20/ |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=The Star |language=en}}

On 6 June 2007, the Prime Minister's office announced Abdullah Badawi's marriage to Jeanne Abdullah. On 9 June, a private ceremony was conducted at the Prime Minister's residence, Seri Perdana, and attended by close relatives. Jeanne was formerly married to Endon Mahmood’s younger brother. She was also a manager at the Seri Perdana residential complex and has two children from her previous marriage.{{cite news |date=6 June 2007 |url=http://bernama.com/bernama/v3/printable.php?id=265927 |title=Prime Minister To Wed Jeanne Abdullah Badawi Saturday |agency=Bernama |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070714115643/http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/printable.php?id=265927 |archive-date=14 July 2007 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}

Abdullah was criticised for allowing his son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, to become unduly influential in UMNO politics.Goh, Melissa (18 November 2006). [http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/newsncom.php?itemid=817 Khairy says he does not influence government decisions]. Channel News Asia. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071104034600/http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/newsncom.php?itemid=817 |date=4 November 2007 }}

Abdullah was also criticised for allowing his brother Fahim Ibrahim Badawi to buy 51 percent of the government-controlled MAS Catering Sdn Bhd. Fahim later sold this stake to Lufthansa's LSG Skychef at a huge profit.{{Cite web |date=2010-08-26 |title=Malaysia Chronicle: Mahathir and Badawi in 2 separate abuse-of-power cases |url=http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/2010/08/blog-post_6444.html |access-date=2022-08-30 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826231902/http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/2010/08/blog-post_6444.html |archive-date=26 August 2010 |url-status=dead}}

He was known also as a poet.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2003/11/02/abdullahs-poem-holds-personal-meaning|title=Abdullah's poem holds personal meaning|work=The Star|date=2 November 2003|access-date=26 August 2021}} His poem, "I Seek Eternal Peace" was translated into more than 80 languages and published as a book.{{Citation|url =https://books.google.com/books?id=vZbhnQAACAAJ|title=Ku cari damai abadi (I seek eternal peace) in 80|author=Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi |publisher=Faculty of Language and Linguistics University of Malaya|year=2008|isbn=9789675148026}}

On 11 September 2022, Abdullah's son-in-law and former health minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, publicly revealed that Abdullah had been battling dementia and was no longer able to recognise family members or communicate effectively.{{Cite web |last=Ishak |first=Mahani |date=2022-09-11 |title=Pak Lah derita demensia sejak mula bersara – Khairy |url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2022/09/999014/pak-lah-derita-demensia-sejak-mula-bersara-khairy |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=Berita Harian |language=en}} In the years that followed, his declining health kept him away from the public eye and he required the assistance of a wheelchair.{{Cite web |date=11 September 2022 |title=Khairy: Pak Lah is suffering from dementia |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/09/830354/khairy-pak-lah-suffering-dementia |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} In 2024, he was admitted to the hospital due to spontaneous pneumothorax.{{Cite web |title=Former Malaysian leader Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who extended political freedoms, dies at 85 |url=https://apnews.com/article/abdullah-ahmad-badawi-malaysia-death-pak-lah-f5913c60f4c61c904df225e61f262039 |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=AP News |date=14 April 2025 |language=en}}

Abdullah died following complications from multi-organ failure at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur, on 14 April 2025, at the age of 85.{{Cite web |title=Malaysia's former Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi dies, aged 85 |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-badawi-pak-lah-dies-85-fifth-prime-minister-5064761 |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=CNA |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=14 April 2025 |title=Pak Lah to be laid to rest in Warriors' Mausoleum |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/04/14/pak-lah-to-be-laid-to-rest-in-warriors-mausoleum/ |access-date=14 April 2025 |work=Free Malaysia Today}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/04/14/former-pm-abdullah-ahmad-badawi-passes-away|title=Former PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi passes away|website=The Star|date=14 April 2025|accessdate=14 April 2025}} The next day, his body lay in state at the main prayer hall of the National Mosque from 10 am to 1 pm, before being laid to rest at the Heroes' Mausoleum at around 2:30 pm.{{Cite news |date=15 April 2025 |title=Former PM Abdullah Badawi laid to rest at National Heroes' Mausoleum |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/15/former-pm-abdullah-badawi-laid-to-rest-at-national-heroes-mausoleum/173163 |access-date=15 April 2025 |work=Malay Mail}}File:Funeral of Tun Abdullah (12).jpg at the National Mosque of Malaysia on 15 April 2025]]The ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries and royalty, including the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Sultan Mahmud, the Tunku Besar of Seri Menanti, Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Malacca Mohd Ali Rustam and his predecessor Mohd Khalil Yaakob,{{Notetag|Former Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Malacca, served from June 2004 to June 2020.|group=note}} the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah Musa Aman, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Senior Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong,{{Notetag|Former Prime Minister of Singapore, served from August 2004 to May 2024.|group=note}} Deputy Prime Ministers Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat Johari Abdul and Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain.{{cite web |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/15/media-dignitaries-gather-at-national-mosque-for-abdullah-badawis-funeral/173086 |title=Media, dignitaries gather at National Mosque for Abdullah Badawi's funeral |website=Malay Mail |date=15 April 2025 |accessdate=15 April 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/04/15/royalty-dignitaries-pay-last-respects-to-pak-lah |title=Royalty, dignitaries pay last respects to Pak Lah |website=The Star |date=15 April 2025 |accessdate=15 April 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/751522|title=Nation gathers to bid farewell to Pak Lah|website=The Edge Malaysia|date=15 April 2025|accessdate=15 April 2025}} All four living former prime ministers—Mahathir Mohamad, Najib Razak, Muhyiddin Yassin and Ismail Sabri Yaakob—also paid their final respects.{{cite web|url=https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/722968/berita/nasional/empat-bekas-pm-hadir-beri-penghormatan-terakhir-kepada-pak-lah|title=Empat bekas PM hadir beri penghormatan terakhir kepada Pak Lah|trans-title=Four former PMs attend to pay final respects to Pak Lah|language=ms|website=Sinar Harian|date=15 April 2025|accessdate=15 April 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bernama.com/tv/news.php?id=2412891|title=Four Former PMs Among Those Paying Last Respects to Pak Lah at Masjid Negara|website=Bernama|date=15 April 2025|accessdate=15 April 2025}} Actress Michelle Yeoh and Singaporean musician Ramli Sarip also paid their respects.{{cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2025/04/1202078/showbiz-michelle-yeoh-attends-pak-lahs-funeral|title=#SHOWBIZ: Michelle Yeoh attends Pak Lah's funeral|website=New Straits Times|date=15 April 2025|accessdate=19 April 2025}}

• {{Flag|Malaysia}} :
• 50px Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (SMN) – Tun (2009){{cite web |url=https://www.mstar.com.my/lokal/semasa/2009/04/03/abdullah-dan-jeanne-terima-anugerah-tun|title=Abdullah dan Jeanne terima anugerah Tun|author= |date=3 April 2009 |website=mStar |publisher= |access-date=12 September 2024 |language=ms}}
• 50px Officer of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (KMN) (1975){{cite web

|url=https://www.istiadat.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/1975.pdf|work=Bahagian Istiadat dan Urusetia Persidangan Antarabangsa|title=SENARAI PENUH PENERIMA DARJAH KEBESARAN, BINTANG DAN PINGAT PERSEKUTUAN TAHUN 1975|publisher=Prime Minister's Department (Malaysia)}}

• 50px Member of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (AMN) (1971){{cite web

|url=https://www.istiadat.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/1971.pdf|work=Bahagian Istiadat dan Urusetia Persidangan Antarabangsa|title=SENARAI PENUH PENERIMA DARJAH KEBESARAN, BINTANG DAN PINGAT PERSEKUTUAN TAHUN 1971|publisher=Prime Minister's Department (Malaysia)}}

• 50px Recipient of the 10th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal (1994){{cn|date=April 2025}}
• 50px Recipient of the 11th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal (1999){{cn|date=April 2025}}
• 50px Recipient of the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal (2002){{cn|date=April 2025}}
• 50px Recipient of the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal (2007){{cn|date=April 2025}}
• 50px Recipient of the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal (2012){{cn|date=April 2025}}
• {{Flag|Federal Territory (Malaysia)}} :
• 50px Grand Knight of the Order of the Territorial Crown (SUMW) – Datuk Seri Utama (2010){{cite web|url=https://www.mstar.com.my/lokal/semasa/2010/01/31/tun-abdullah-ketuai-senarai-penerima-darjah-kebesaran-wilayah-persekutuan-2010|title=Tun Abdullah Ketuai Senarai Penerima Darjah Kebesaran Wilayah|website=www.mstar.com.my|date=31 January 2010 }}
• {{Flag|Johor}} :
• 50px First Class of the Royal Family Order of Johor (DK I) (2004){{cite web|date=8 April 2004|title=Abdullah tops Johor Sultan's birthday list|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2004/04/08/abdullah-tops-johor-sultans-birthday-list/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510073501/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2004/04/08/abdullah-tops-johor-sultans-birthday-list/|archive-date=10 May 2019|access-date=21 May 2021|website=The Star}}
• {{Flag|Kedah}} :
• 50px Recipient of the Kedah Supreme Order of Merit (DUK) (2006){{cite web

|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2006/01/24/2006-sultan-of-kedah-honours-list/|date=24 January 2006|title=2006 Sultan of Kedah honour's list|work=The Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925142235/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2006/01/24/2006-sultan-of-kedah-honours-list/|archive-date=25 September 2018|access-date=12 September 2024}}

• {{Flag|Kelantan}} :
• 50px Recipient of the Royal Family Order of Kelantan (DK) (2006){{Cite web|date=30 March 2006|title=Abdullah heads honours list|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2006/03/30/abdullah-heads-honours-list/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921034305/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2006/03/30/abdullah-heads-honours-list/|archive-date=21 September 2018|access-date=21 May 2021|website=The Star}}
• {{Flag|Malacca}} :
• 50px Knight Grand Commander of the Premier and Exalted Order of Malacca (DUNM) – Datuk Seri Utama (2004){{cite web

|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2004/10/09/83-datuks-in-malacca-list/|date=9 October 2004|author=Lee Yuk Peng|title=83 Datuks in Malacca list|work=The Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205013356/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2004/10/09/83-datuks-in-malacca-list|archive-date=5 February 2023|access-date=12 September 2024}}

• {{Flag|Negeri Sembilan}} :
• 50px Knight Grand Commander of the Order of Loyalty to Negeri Sembilan (SPNS) – Dato' Seri Utama (2000){{cite web|url=http://www.istiadat.gov.my/v8/images/stories/DKBP_NEGERI_UPDATE/2000.pdf|title=Pengurniaan Darjah Kebesaran Bergelar Tahun 2000 Mengikut Negeri.|publisher=Prime Minister's Department (Malaysia)|access-date=1 August 2024|archive-date=5 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905083749/http://www.istiadat.gov.my/v8/images/stories/DKBP_NEGERI_UPDATE/2000.pdf|url-status=dead}}
• {{Flag|Pahang}} :
• 50px Member 1st class of the Family Order of the Crown of Indra of Pahang (DK I) (2006){{cite web|date=24 October 2006|title=Abdullah heads awards list|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2006/10/24/abdullah-heads-awards-list|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030042603/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2006/10/24/abdullah-heads-awards-list|archive-date=30 October 2019|access-date=12 November 2019|website=The Star}}{{cite book|date=28 October 2006|title=Istiadat Pengurniaan Darjah-darjah Kebesaran Negeri Pahang Darul Makmur Tahun 2006|url=http://pwin.pahanglibrary.gov.my/books/srxm/|pages=20–21|language=ms}}
• 50px Grand Knight of the Order of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang (SSAP) – Dato' Sri (1999){{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6k1OAAAAIBAJ&dq=Darjah+kerabat+pahang&pg=PA3&article_id=5874,4563542|title=Sultanah Kalsom heads birthday honours list|work=New Straits Times|date=24 October 1999|pages=7}}
• {{Flag|Penang}} :
• 50px Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of State (DUPN) – Dato' Seri Utama (2004){{cite web

|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2004/07/10/penang-yang-dipertua-negris-birthday-honours-list|date=10 July 2004|title=Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri's birthday honours list|work=The Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301014729/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2004/07/10/penang-yang-dipertua-negris-birthday-honours-list|archive-date=1 March 2021|access-date=12 September 2024}}

• 50px Commander of the Order of the Defender of State (DGPN) – Dato' Seri (1997){{cite web|url=http://www.istiadat.gov.my/v8/images/stories/DKBP_NEGERI_UPDATE/1997.pdf|title=Pengurniaan Darjah Kebesaran Bergelar Bagi Tahun 1997 Mengikut Negeri.|publisher=Prime Minister's Department (Malaysia)|access-date=14 April 2025|archive-date=29 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629010150/http://www.istiadat.gov.my/v8/images/stories/DKBP_NEGERI_UPDATE/1997.pdf|url-status=dead}}
• 50px Companion of the Order of the Defender of State (DMPN) – Dato' (1981)
• 50px Member of the Order of the Defender of State (DJN) (1979)
• {{Flag|Perak}} :
• 50px Ordinary Class of the Perak Family Order of Sultan Azlan Shah (SPSA) – Dato' Seri DiRaja (2003){{cite web|url=http://pingat.perak.gov.my/carian-thn.php?m=1&tahun=2003&kod_pingat=SPSA|title=SPSA 2003|website=pingat.perak.gov.my|access-date=14 February 2022|archive-date=14 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214033803/http://pingat.perak.gov.my/carian-thn.php?m=1&tahun=2003&kod_pingat=SPSA|url-status=dead}}{{cite web

|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2003/04/21/sultan-of-peraks-birthday-honours-list|date=21 April 2003|title=Sultan of Perak's birthday honours list|work=The Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026015122/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2003/04/21/sultan-of-peraks-birthday-honours-list|archive-date=26 October 2021|access-date=12 September 2024}}

• 50px Recipient of the Sultan Azlan Shah Silver Jubilee Medal (2009)
• {{Flag|Perlis}} :
• 50px Knight Grand Companion of the Order of the Gallant Prince Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail (SSSJ) – Dato' Seri Diraja (2001)
• 50px Recipient of the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail Installation Medal (2001)
• {{Flag|Sabah}} :
• 50px Grand Commander of the Order of Kinabalu (SPDK) – Datuk Seri Panglima (1999){{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lRQWAAAAIBAJ&dq=sabah+honours+list&pg=PA36&article_id=4513,5763583|title=Deputy PM heads Sabah honours list|work=New Straits Times|date=15 September 1999|pages=12}}
• {{Flag|Sarawak}} :
• 50px Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak (DP) – Datuk Patinggi (2003){{cite web

|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2003/07/22/mahathir-heads-sarawak-honours-list/|date=22 July 2005|title=Mahathir heads Sarawak honours list|work=The Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013132908/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2003/07/22/mahathir-heads-sarawak-honours-list/|archive-date=13 October 2018|access-date=12 September 2024}}

• {{Flag|Selangor}} :
• 50px Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Selangor (SPMS) – Dato' Seri (2000){{cite web|url=https://awards.selangor.gov.my/sublinkyear.php?cat=16&subcat=S.P.M.S.|title=SPMS 2000}}
• 50px Knight Companion of the Order of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (DSSA) – Dato' (1992){{cite web|url=https://awards.selangor.gov.my/sublinkyear.php?cat=27&subcat=D.S.S.A.&offset=0|title=DSSA 1992}}
• 50px Recipient of the Sultan Sharafuddin Coronation Medal (2003){{cn|date=April 2025}}
• {{Flag|Terengganu}} :
• 50px Supreme Class of the Order of Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu (SUMZ) – Dato' Seri Utama (2005){{cite web

|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2005/07/27/sultan-of-terengganus-birthday-honours-list/|date=27 July 2005|title=Sultan of Terengganu's Birthday Honours list|work=The Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014164927/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2005/07/27/sultan-of-terengganus-birthday-honours-list/|archive-date=14 October 2018|access-date=12 September 2024}}

• {{Flag|Brunei}} :
• 50px Family Order of Brunei 1st Class (DK) – Dato Laila Utama (2010){{cite web |url=https://www.kln.gov.my/web/brn_begawan/news-from-mission/-/blogs/former-malaysian-pm-leaves-brunei |title=Former Malaysian PM leaves Brunei |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Malaysia) |access-date=23 December 2019 |archive-date=23 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223050022/https://www.kln.gov.my/web/brn_begawan/news-from-mission/-/blogs/former-malaysian-pm-leaves-brunei |url-status=dead }}{{Cite news |author=Hezlinawati Haji Abd. Karim |date=17 July 2010 |title=85 dikurniakan Bintang-Bintang Kebesaran |url=https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/2010/Julai/PB170710.pdf |access-date=2024-12-15 |work=Pelita Brunei |pages=14 |language=ms}}
• {{Flag|Chile}} :
• 50px Grand Cross of the Order of Bernardo O'Higgins (1994){{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FN9OAAAAIBAJ&dq=Abdullah+Ahmad+Badawi+awards&pg=PA49&article_id=3642,2741621|title=Highest award for Rafidah and Abdullah|publisher=New Straits Times|date=7 February 1994}}
• {{Flag|Indonesia}} :
• 50px Star of the Republic of Indonesia (2nd Class) (2007){{cite web |url=https://www.antaranews.com/berita/53879/ri-anugerahkan-bintang-adipradana-kepada-pm-malaysia|title=RI Anugerahkan Bintang Adipradana kepada PM Malaysia|date=22 February 2007|work=ANTARA|language=ID|access-date=14 January 2024}}
• {{Flag|Japan}} :
• 50px First Class of the Order of the Sacred Treasure (1991)
• {{Flag|Kosovo}} :
• 50px Order of Independence (2025; posthumously){{Cite news |date=2 May 2025 |title=Kosovo Embassy In Kuala Lumpur Important To Expending Southeast Asia Ties - Kosovo President |url=https://asean.bernama.com/news.php?id=2419117 |access-date=10 May 2025 |work=BERNAMA}}{{Cite news |date=2 May 2025 |title=Kosovo honours late Malaysian PM for championing independence |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/05/1210733/kosovo-honours-late-malaysian-pm-championing-independence |access-date=10 May 2025 |work=New Straits Times |agency=BERNAMA}}
• {{flag|South Korea}} :
• 50px Grand Gwanghwa Medal of the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit (1992)
• 50px Gwanghwa Medal of the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit (1983)

• {{flag|Australia}} :
• Honorary Ph.D. degree in Technology from Curtin University of Technology (2018){{cite web | url=https://news.curtin.edu.my/news/conferment-of-honorary-doctorate-of-technology-to-yab-datuk-seri-abdullah-ahmad-badawi-by-curtin-university-of-technology-australia/ | title=Conferment of Honorary Doctorate of Technology to YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi by Curtin University of Technology, Australia | date=31 January 2018 }}
• {{flag|Malaysia}} :
• Honorary Ph.D. degree in Humanities from University of Malaya (2009){{cite web | url=https://umconvo.um.edu.my/honorary-degree-awarded-by-year | title=HONORARY DEGREE AWARDED (BY YEAR) }}

• {{Flag|Indonesia}} :
• 50px Lencana Tunas Kencana from Gerakan Pramuka Indonesia (2007){{cite web | url=https://www.datatempo.co/foto/detail/P0806200700053/susilo-bambang-yudhoyono-dan-abdullah-ahmad-badawi | title=Susilo bambang yudhoyono dan abdullah ahmad badawi – DATATEMPO }}
• {{flag|Malaysia}} :
• Anugerah Felo INTAN from National Institute of Public Administration (2017){{cite web|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2017/10/339412/ptd-muda-perlu-patuhi-ikrar-perkhidmatan/|title=PTD muda perlu patuhi ikrar perkhidmatan|language=ms|website=Berita Harian Online|date=19 October 2017|accessdate=16 April 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://malaysiagazette.com/2017/10/19/tun-abdullah-dianugerah-felo-intan/|title=Tun Abdullah dianugerah Felo Intan|language=ms|website=Malaysia Gazette|date=19 October 2017|accessdate=16 April 2025}}
• {{flag|United Kingdom}} :
• Honorary fellowship from London's Chartered Institute of Marketing (1999){{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gvVOAAAAIBAJ&dq=Abdullah+Ahmad+Badawi+awards&pg=PA6&article_id=2771,1129271|title=DPM receives honorary award from London CIM|publisher=New Straits Times|date=30 October 1999}}

• Jalan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, a 5.5 km highway located in Batu Kawan, Penang.
• Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) Tun Abdullah Badawi, a premier boarding school in Kepala Batas, Seberang Perai, Penang.

• Khairy Jamaluddin
• Administrative and Diplomatic Officer

{{NoteFoot}}

{{reflist}}

• Bridget Welsh & James Chin (ed) Awakenings: The Abdullah Badawi Years in Malaysia (KL: SIRD 2013)

{{Wikiquote}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160204223127/http://www.pmo.gov.my/ Official Website of the Government of Malaysia]
• [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/2064535.stm Profile: Abdullah Ahmad Badawi], BBC News, 8 October 2008
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070112061636/http://www-cgi.cnn.com/ASIANOW/asiaweek/99/0122/cs2.html The loyal Abdullah wins his rival Anwar's job]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090903010807/http://www.thesundaily.com/article.cfm?id=26393 thesundaily.com, Full statement from PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi]
• [http://asiasociety.org/video/policy-politics/tun-abdullah-badawi-complete-0 Video of discussion with Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the Asia Society, New York 10/19/2009]
• {{NYTtopic|people/a/abdullah_ahmad_badawi}}

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{{s-ttl|title=President of United Malays National Organisation|years=2003–2009}}

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Category:1939 births

Category:2025 deaths

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