A strong advocate of instilling the right mindset, culture, values and attitude in people, the Honorable Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi believes in developing Malaysians in all spheres, particularly via education for the continuous success of the country.
Since he took office as the 5th Prime Minister of Malaysia on Oct. 31, 2003, Dato Seri Abdullah has introduced various policies that placed importance on human resources.
This is partly attributed to his background. The prime minister was born on Nov. 26, 1939 in Bayan Lepas, Penang, to a family of educationists.
His grandfather was the founder of an Islamic religious school which he attended, besides the English-based education system at Bukit Mertajam High School and the Methodists Boys’ School in Penang.
It was in these formative years that his knowledge of Islam was nurtured and strengthened when he pursued a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Islamic Studies at the University of Malaya.
The prime minister holds the view that Islam and modernity are not mutually exclusive and therefore places great emphasis on developing a society that is progressive, modern and knowledgeable.
The prime minister started his career by joining the government’s Public Service Department in 1964. He moved to the National Operation Council (NOC) in 1969.
His current views toward racial integration in Malaysia are greatly shaped by his experience in the Council.
Dato Seri Abdullah was then promoted to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (1971-1964). His is no stranger to youth issues, having served as the President of Federation of Peninsula Malays Students (Gabungan Pelajar-Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung) from 1962 to 1964.
As the Director General and later Deputy Secretary-General of the ministry, Dato Seri Abdullah actively engaged youths, particularly student leaders whose views commonly contradicted the government’s.
The prime minister strongly believes that youth is one of the nation’s most important assets and is the foundation of the country’s future. The prime minister’s direct foray into politics was marked by his resignation from the public service in 1978. Since he won his first Parliamentary election in 1978, the prime minister has successfully retained his Kepala Batas seat.
A loyal United Malay National Organization (UMNO) member since 1965, the prime minister has held various posts in the political party. He is currently UMNO Acting President.
His first political appointment to the government was as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Federal Territory Ministry.
He was then promoted to deputy minister in the same ministry in 1980. Dato Seri Abdullah later held the post of minister in the prime minister’s department (1986-1987) and minister of foreign affairs (1991-1999).
In January 1999, Dato Seri Abdullah was appointed as the deputy prime minister and minister of defense (1986-1987) and minister of foreign affairs (1991-1999).
In January 1999, Dato Seri Abdullah was appointed as the deputy prime minister and minister of home affairs.
He now holds 2 other portfolios, namely Ministry of Internal Security and Ministry of Finance.
The prime minister is also the chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).
In his leisure time, the prime minister enjoys golf and fishing. Dato Seri Abdullah is married to Datin Seri Endon Mahmood, and the couple have a son and a daughter.
They have 4 grandchildren.
