Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi: Age,Career, Wife,Biography,Personal life, Islam Hadhari & Legacy in 2025

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was born on 26 November 1939 in Bayan Lepas, Penang, during British colonial rule. His grandfather, Syeikh Abdullah Fahim, was a respected Islamic scholar. Badawi attended Bukit Mertajam High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies from the University of Malaya in 1964.

Full Name	Abdullah bin Ahmad Badawi
Date of Birth	26 November 1939
Place of Birth	Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
Date of Death	14 April 2025 (aged 85)
Resting Place	Makam Pahlawan, Masjid Negara, Kuala Lumpur
Nationality	Malaysian
Political Party	United Malays National Organisation (UMNO)
Height	1.65 m (5 ft 5 in)
Spouses	Endon Mahmood (m. 1965; d. 2005), Jeanne Abdullah (m. 2007)
Children	2 biological, 2 stepchildren (including son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin)
Education	Bukit Mertajam High School, University of Malaya (BA)
Notable Roles	5th Prime Minister of Malaysia (2003–2009), Deputy Prime Minister (1999–2003)

Political Career & Achievements

Rise in UMNO & Government

1964: Joined UMNO (United Malays National Organisation).
1978: Elected MP for Kepala Batas, Penang.
1981–2003: Held multiple ministerial roles, including Minister of Education, Defence, and Foreign Affairs.
1999: Appointed Deputy Prime Minister under Mahathir Mohamad.

Prime Minister of Malaysia (2003–2009)

Badawi became Malaysia’s 5th Prime Minister after Mahathir’s retirement. His policies focused on:
✔ Islam Hadhari (Civilizational Islam) – Promoting moderate Islamic governance.
✔ Anti-corruption reforms.
✔ Economic development through National Mission (2006–2020).

However, his leadership faced criticism, leading to his resignation in 2009, succeeded by Najib Razak.

Personal Life: Family & Legacy

Marriages & Children

First Wife: Endon Mahmood (married 1965, died 2005 from breast cancer).
Second Wife: Jeanne Abdullah (married 2007).
Children: Two biological children and two stepchildren, including Nori Abdullah, who married politician Khairy Jamaluddin.

Later Years & Death

Badawi passed away on 14 April 2025, aged 85, at Institut Jantung Negara (National Heart Institute). He was buried at Makam Pahlawan, Malaysia’s heroes’ mausoleum.

Legacy & Honors

Tun (2009) – Malaysia’s highest federal title.
Remembered for his moderate Islamic policies and anti-corruption efforts.
Influenced Malaysian politics for over 40 years.

FAQ About Abdullah Badawi

1. When did Abdullah Badawi become Prime Minister?
He served from 2003 to 2009.

2. Who was Badawi’s son-in-law?
Khairy Jamaluddin, a prominent Malaysian politician.

3. What was Islam Hadhari?
Badawi’s policy promoting progressive, moderate Islam in governance.

4. Where is Abdullah Badawi buried?
Makam Pahlawan, Masjid Negara, Kuala Lumpur.

Conclusion

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was a key figure in Malaysian politics, known for his moderate leadership and religious inclusivity. Despite challenges, his contributions left a lasting impact on Malaysia’s governance.