KUCHING: In the labyrinth of politics, there are those who thrive in the limelight, and then there are those who understand that true power lies in subtlety.
Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, affectionately known as ‘Pak Lah’, was one of those rare figures who commanded respect not by shouting the loudest, but by knowing when to hold his tongue and when to make his move.
His influence wasn’t built on noise or spectacle, but on quiet, calculated leadership, something all too rare in today’s political theatre said Aziz Isa, a political analyst.
He said as Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister from 2003 to 2009, Pak Lah guided the country through turbulent times, balancing domestic challenges with global uncertainty.
Yet, let’s be clear: his legacy is not defined by the big speeches or grandiose promises that so often come with political power.
“Where others were content to chase popularity, Pak Lah sought something far more lasting. His leadership wasn’t about ostentatious displays of strength or populist gimmicks; it was about compassion and quiet, meaningful reform.
“Pak Lah didn’t need to draw attention to his efforts because his work spoke for itself. Whether it was his focus on poverty alleviation, improving healthcare, or developing rural communities, his priorities were always clear: the well-being of the rakyat, the people.
“In an age where politics is often a game of power plays and soundbites, Pak Lah showed us that leadership is about service, not self-promotion, ” he added.
One of Pak Lah’s most profound contributions, said Aziz was his vision for a modern and balanced interpretation of governance, offering a voice of moderation at a time when the world often leaned toward division.
He chose to build bridges, positioning Malaysia as a model of reason and tolerance. His leadership ensured Malaysia wasn’t merely a passive player on the global stage but a respected voice for diplomacy and unity.
He believed that Pak Lah’s contribution to Malaysia’s future wasn’t confined to the halls of Parliament. His vision for the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), launched in 2008, was nothing short of transformative.
Far beyond just generating power, SCORE was a strategy for regional development, an effort to ensure that no corner of Malaysia was left behind.
It was a vision that said no one, no region, should be excluded from the nation’s progress. While others would focus on the political gains of the moment, Pak Lah was securing the long-term future of the country. Today, as SCORE continues to shape Sarawak’s economic landscape, Pak Lah’s foresight is as evident as ever.
By Connie Chieng