Brief Summary
This YouTube video is a special episode of "Keluar Sekejap" dedicated to commemorating the life, career, and legacy of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Malaysia's fifth Prime Minister, who passed away on April 14, 2025. The hosts and guests share personal anecdotes, discuss his leadership style, and reflect on his contributions to Malaysia, including his emphasis on human capital development, Islam Hadhari, and balanced development. The episode aims to provide a comprehensive and balanced view of Tun Abdullah's impact on Malaysian politics and society.
- Personal anecdotes and reflections from individuals close to Tun Abdullah.
- Discussion of Tun Abdullah's key policies and their impact on Malaysia.
- Analysis of his leadership style and its contrast with his predecessors.
Introduction
The hosts, Shahril Hamdan and KJ, introduce the special episode dedicated to Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, acknowledging his significant impact and expressing their personal connection to him. They aim to celebrate his legacy rather than provide a strictly balanced analysis, given their close relationship with Tun Abdullah. KJ mentions his initial reluctance to do the episode so soon after Tun's passing but recognizes the importance of contextualizing his contributions for a new generation, as he became Prime Minister over 20 years ago. KJ emphasizes Tun Abdullah's fairness and openness to criticism, hoping to honor him by discussing both his successes and areas where things could have been different.
First Encounters and Personal Reflections
Shahril shares his first encounter with Tun Abdullah, highlighting Tun's emphasis on honesty and critical feedback. KJ expresses gratitude for being able to do the episode and explains that they will be inviting individuals who were close to Tun Abdullah to share their stories. The first panel of guests includes Tan Sri Mohamad Anwar Zaini, Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Wahab, and Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan, all of whom have known Tun Abdullah for decades.
Tan Sri Anwar Zaini's Reflections
Tan Sri Anwar shares three significant episodes from his 54-year relationship with Tun Abdullah. The first was their meeting at a GPMS seminar in 1971, where he was struck by Tun Abdullah's warmth and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. The second episode recounts how Tun Abdullah personally ensured Anwar's transfer to the Ministry of Youth when Anwar joined the civil service in 1977, emphasizing the importance of sincerity in one's work, quoting a verse from the Quran. Lastly, Tan Sri Anwar recalls Tun Abdullah's political victimization during the Mahathir-Musa Hitam crisis and how Tun Abdullah later took him in to work at the Ministry of Defense. He emphasizes Tun Abdullah's consistency and honesty, noting that he never once caught him in a lie.
Datuk Tajuddin's Perspective
Datuk Tajuddin reflects on Tun Abdullah's leadership, emphasizing his "clarity of intention" alongside his "clarity of thought." He shares a story about Tun Abdullah expecting honest and clear reports from his staff. Datuk Tajuddin also recalls Tun Abdullah's advice to never lie, as it would create future problems. Shahril brings up the spirituality of Tun Abdullah, referencing his poem "Damai Abadi" and his genuine intention to serve as a khalifah Allah.
Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan's Stories
Datuk Seri Kalimullah shares three anecdotes illustrating Tun Abdullah's character. The first recounts how Tun Abdullah was mocked at the airport after being dropped from the cabinet in 1987 but later embraced the same person when he became Deputy Prime Minister. The second story tells of Tun Abdullah visiting Datuk Seri Kalimullah in the hospital after an angioplasty and then spending an hour visiting other patients. Lastly, he recalls Tun Abdullah's intention behind appointing Tan Sri Muhyiddin as Minister of Agriculture, emphasizing food security.
Challenges and Personal Touches
The panel discusses Tun Abdullah's challenges with punctuality, attributing it to his personal touch and genuine interest in people. Tan Sri Anwar compares Tun Abdullah to Nelson Mandela, highlighting his forgiving nature. He also recalls how Tun Abdullah accepted Mahyuddin, Najib, and Mad Taib as vice presidents after being defeated in the UMNO vice-presidency election in 1993. Shahril shares anecdotes from viewers, reflecting Tun Abdullah's humility and connection with the people. Datuk Seri Kalimullah shares that Tun Abdullah was never interested in money and power.
Tun Abdullah's Policies and Vision
The discussion shifts to Tun Abdullah's policies, particularly his emphasis on human capital development, Islam Hadhari, and balanced development. KJ highlights Tun Abdullah's belief that whatever one does should be considered an act of worship. He also notes that Tun Abdullah's focus on spiritual and social development was a response to the rapid physical development during the Mahathir era. Shahril points out the Islamic twist to Tun Abdullah's approach, emphasizing civilizational Islam and building a pluralistic society.
Tun Razak's Influence and Democratic Reforms
Tan Sri Anwar shares Tun Abdullah's admiration for Tun Razak, noting that Tun Razak had marked Tun Abdullah to be UMNO's secretary, but Tun Abdullah chose to join the civil service instead. He recalls Tun Abdullah's wisdom in addressing Tun Razak's disappointment over student demonstrations, emphasizing the need to instill values alongside providing facilities. The panel discusses Tun Abdullah's democratic reforms, including the establishment of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the restoration of the judiciary's independence. Datuk Seri Kalimullah shares instances where Tun Abdullah allowed media freedom and did not interfere in judicial matters.
Challenges to Democratic Reforms and Missed Opportunities
Datuk Tajuddin notes that Tun Abdullah's loosening of democratic space was not well-received within UMNO, as they preferred stricter control. Tan Sri Anwar reflects on how Tun Abdullah's "man of God" character struggled in the turbulent world of politics. He suggests that Tun Abdullah could have called for elections in 2007, capitalizing on the 50th anniversary of independence and a civil servant salary increase, but he prioritized the welfare of existing parliament members. Datuk Seri Kalimullah recalls Tun Abdullah's respect for the judiciary and his refusal to interfere in Anwar Ibrahim's case.
Tun Abdullah's Successes and Challenges
The panel discusses whether Tun Abdullah truly succeeded in his aspirations, with Tan Sri Anwar comparing his fate to that of Tunku Abdul Rahman. Datuk Tajuddin emphasizes Tun Abdullah's integrity and his focus on policies that benefited the people. Datuk Seri Kalimullah shares stories of Tun Abdullah's compassion and his efforts to ensure justice and fairness. He also recounts Tun Abdullah's final speech as UMNO president, where he thanked Dr. Mahathir and apologized for failing to meet expectations, highlighting the lack of reciprocation from Dr. Mahathir.
Personal Reflections and Transition to the Next Panel
Shahril reflects on how those close to Tun Abdullah often felt more deeply about how he was treated than he did himself. KJ emphasizes Tun Abdullah's ability to forgive and forget, noting that he always asked himself what Tun Abdullah would do in difficult situations. The hosts transition to the second panel, introducing Izat Raya Izadin Raya, Tho Aik, and Wan Asurianti Wan Ahmad, who served as younger aides to Tun Abdullah.
Younger Aides' Perspectives and Personal Connection
The younger aides share their feelings of loss and reflect on Tun Abdullah's impact on their lives. Izat Raya expresses that the feeling is similar to losing his parents. Tho Aik describes Tun Abdullah as a father figure, appreciating the trust Tun Abdullah placed in him. Wan Asurianti recalls being surprised by the job offer and how Tun Abdullah treated them with respect, valuing their opinions despite their youth and inexperience.
Economic Vision and GLC Transformation
The discussion shifts to Tun Abdullah's economic vision, particularly the transformation of GLCs (Government-Linked Companies). Shahril notes that this policy is often associated with Datuk Seri Najib, but the push to transform GLCs into professional entities with clear KPIs began under Tun Abdullah. KJ provides context, explaining that the GLC transformation aimed to empower Bumiputeras in the economy after the Asian financial crisis. Tho Aik recalls Tun Abdullah's statement that "government is not in the business of doing business" and highlights the role of GLCs as anchors in the corridor development projects.
Talent Development and Meritocracy of Ideas
The panel emphasizes Tun Abdullah's belief in individual capabilities over age and experience, highlighting the young faces appointed to lead GLCs. KJ notes that Tun Abdullah didn't believe in the protocol of ideas but rather in the meritocracy of ideas, encouraging everyone to share their views regardless of their position. Izat Raya recalls Tun Abdullah's focus on reforming the police force, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure and resources.
Fairness and Public Service
The panel discusses Tun Abdullah's fairness in implementing reforms, ensuring that the welfare of civil servants was not overlooked. Shahril notes that Tun Abdullah combined liberal political reforms with measures to improve the welfare of the police force. KJ emphasizes that Tun Abdullah's approach was about winning people over to do the right thing, which is a key aspect of leadership.
Challenges and Cultural Shifts
The panel shares the challenges they faced in implementing reforms, noting the resistance from within the government and UMNO. Izat Raya recalls always going against the tide and being criticized for it. KJ notes that Tun Abdullah focused on results rather than political noise, which is different from the current political climate. Wan Asurianti emphasizes Tun Abdullah's calmness and patience, noting that he always sought engagement and tried to convince others.
Yoga Controversy and Moderate Approach
Tho Aik recalls an incident where Tun Abdullah quickly shut down a controversy over yoga being banned, demonstrating his moderate approach. He emphasizes that Tun Abdullah was consistent in his message, promoting unity and understanding. The panel notes that Tun Abdullah's Islam Hadhari was accepted internationally but was often misunderstood and politicized domestically.
Shortcomings and "Tingkat Empat" Myth
The discussion shifts to the shortcomings of Tun Abdullah's administration, particularly the "Tingkat Empat" (Fourth Floor) myth. Izat Raya explains that the perception of young aides having too much influence was due to their frequent access to Tun Abdullah. KJ clarifies that "Tingkat Empat" was a myth created by those who were unhappy with Tun Abdullah's decisions, particularly Tun Mahathir. He emphasizes that Tun Abdullah made his own decisions after listening to various perspectives.
Legacy and Final Reflections
The panel reflects on Tun Abdullah's legacy, noting his talent development initiatives and his contributions to the halal industry and bioeconomy. Shahril emphasizes that Tun Abdullah added to the menu of Malaysia, diversifying the economy and promoting equitable development. KJ notes that Tun Abdullah's slogan "Cemerlang, Gemilang, Terbilang" (Excellent, Glorious, Distinguished) was about building upon the legacies of those who came before.
Final Years and Selflessness
The panel discusses Tun Abdullah's reaction to the pressure to step down, noting that he remained dignified and did not harbor resentment. They emphasize his selflessness and his willingness to prioritize the party and the nation over his personal ambitions. Tho Aik recalls Tun Abdullah's concern about the party splitting if he had challenged Najib.
Kebumian and Conclusion
KJ shares his decision to have a state funeral without segregation, allowing people from all walks of life to pay their respects to Tun Abdullah. He emphasizes that Tun Abdullah touched many lives and that his passing united the nation. The hosts conclude the episode, expressing hope that it will contribute to the legacy of Tun Abdullah and celebrate his contributions to Malaysia.
