Who Is Abdullah Ahmad Badawi? Age, Biography and Wiki
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was born on November 26, 1939, and served as the Prime Minister of Malaysia from 2003 to 2009. As of 2025, he is 85 years old. Known for his moderate and reformist approaches, Abdullah's tenure was marked by significant political and economic advancements in Malaysia. His leadership style and policies have left a lasting impact on the nation, and he continues to be a significant figure in Malaysian history.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 26, 1939 |
| Age | 85 Years |
| Birth Place | Bayan Lepas, Penang, Straits Settlements, British Malaya |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Malaysia |
| Date of death | 14 April, 2025 |
| Died Place | Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
Popularity
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details about Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's height and weight have varied throughout his life. As a public figure, he has often maintained a well-groomed appearance. While specific figures may not be readily available, it is known that he stood at an average height for Malaysian men. His weight has fluctuated, as is common with many individuals, particularly those in the public eye.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has been married to his wife, Jeanne Abdullah, since 1976. They have three children together. Throughout his career, he has maintained a relatively private family life, and there has been no public indication of any dating outside his marriage. His family has played a vital role in supporting his political career, staying out of the limelight for the most part.
Abdullah bin Ahmad Badawi (, ; 26 November 1939 – 14 April 2025), also known as Pak Lah, was a Malaysian politician and civil servant who served as the fifth prime minister of Malaysia from 2003 to 2009. A member of UMNO, he was the party's president from 2004 to 2009, and also led the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition during his premiership.
Abdullah was granted the soubriquet "Father of Human Capital Development" ("Bapa Pembangunan Modal Insan") of Malaysia.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's estimated net worth is around $20 million. This wealth is a result of his long-standing career in politics, along with various investments and business ventures post-retirement. His legacy as a former Prime Minister has not only brought him respect but also financial benefits through speeches, consultancy, and several board memberships.
Career, Business and Investments
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has enjoyed a varied career in both politics and business. After stepping down as Prime Minister, he has taken on roles in various organizations and advisory boards. His business pursuits include investments in real estate and technology startups, reflecting his interest in innovation and sustainable development. Additionally, he is often invited to share his insights and experiences through speaking engagements globally.
Born in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Abdullah graduated from University of Malaya (UM). He starting his own career as a civil servant, served almost 14 years in the Malaysian Government as the Administrative and Diplomatic Officer (PTD) from 1964 until 1978.
After he resigned from being PTD, he served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kepala Batas for eight consecutive terms from 1978 to 2013.
He also served in various ministeries such as Ministry of Federal Territories, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Minister of Education, Minister of Defence, Minister of Foreign Affairs, before he was promoted to Deputy Prime Minister by Mahathir Mohamad.
After Mahathir resigned in 2003, Abdullah took over and selected Najib Razak as his deputy.
Social Network
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi remains active in various social circles. Although he has stepped back from the political spotlight, he engages with the community through social media and public appearances. While he may not have a large presence on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, he maintains an active profile on Facebook and Twitter, where he shares thoughts on political issues and national development.
Under his administration, he faced criticism for declining press freedom, with Malaysia's ranking dropping from 104th to 132nd in the Reporters Without Borders press freedom index between 2003 and 2008.
The government's control over media outlets and the use of laws like the Internal Security Act (ISA) to detain journalists and bloggers highlighted the limitations on media freedom during his tenure.
However, he expanded democratic space by promoting dialogue and encouraging differing opinions, which contributed to a more vibrant political environment.
In 2008, Abdullah announced the establishment of a Judicial Appointments Commission to ensure a more transparent and representative process for nominating, appointing, and promoting judges, acknowledging the need to restore public trust in the judiciary.
Education
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's educational background includes a degree from the University of Malaya, where he studied Islamic Studies. This foundation has significantly influenced his governance style and policy-making during his tenure as Prime Minister. His commitment to education and personal development has also inspired many young leaders across Malaysia.
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.
