In Memory of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Written by Rohaizad Hassan
Our heartfelt condolences to the Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi family on his passing yesterday at 85. As we mourn his loss, we celebrate his extraordinary contributions to the nation, especially his leadership in championing the global Halal agenda and promoting moderate, progressive values.
Pioneer of Malaysia’s Halal Industry Ecosystem
Tun Abdullah will be remembered as the Father of Malaysia’s Halal Industry. As Prime Minister from 2003 to 2009, he transformed Halal from a religious obligation into a strategic pillar of national economic development.
– Strengthened JAKIM as the sole Halal authority, ensuring consistency, integrity, and global recognition of Malaysia’s Halal certification.
– Established the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) in 2006 to drive coordinated Halal policy, investment, innovation, and trade. Through HDC, the National Halal Masterplan was launched—now a cornerstone of Malaysia’s Halal ecosystem.
Launched the World Halal Forum (2006), a global platform that shaped international dialogue on Halal standards and cross-border trade. It is known as the World Halal Business Conference (WHBC), led by HDC. It also sparked the foundation of MIHAS. WHBC and MIHAS are currently the world’s most prominent and prestigious Halal events.
– Positioned Malaysia as a global benchmark for Halal integrity, governance, and innovation—cementing its leadership in the fast-growing Halal economy.
Builder of a Balanced and Visionary Nation
He introduced the Malaysia Economic Corridor Program, enabling Khazanah Nasional to lead five major development corridors:
1) Iskandar Malaysia (Southern Region)
2) Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER)
3) East Coast Economic Region (ECER)
4) Sabah Development Corridor (SDC)
5) Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE)
These initiatives revitalized underdeveloped regions and promoted balanced national growth. Each corridor also embraced Halal development through Halal Parks and integrated economic initiatives. He modernized agriculture, empowered SMEs, and emphasized food security and rural development. He also expanded higher education, advanced Islamic finance, and raised Malaysia’s global academic presence. As Chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 2003, he advocated economic reform, education, and Halal collaboration among Muslim nations. He consistently championed interfaith dialogue, South-South cooperation, and global Islamic economic integration. His legacy lives on through the institutions he shaped, the principles he upheld, and the countless lives he impacted. His work in Halal development, national unity, and Islamic global leadership remain foundational to Malaysia’s future.
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