Former Foreign Minister Tan Sri Syed Hamid said that former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah was not only his employer but also his good friend.
He shared with the media today (15th) at Abdullah's residence his close interactions with Abdullah during his tenure as Foreign Minister.
“I often interacted with him not only as a Foreign Minister but also as a friend. I often saw foreign leaders interacting harmoniously with him because of his calm demeanor; everyone described him as a saint.”
Officials visiting Abdullah's residence included Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah, Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Rusdi, and Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Noraini, among others.
Syed Hamid regarded Abdullah, widely known as “Pak Lah,” as a people-friendly leader who brought about reforms during his tenure. Therefore, his passing is a great loss to the nation.
“We have lost a politician, a leader committed to promoting the concept of Islam Hadhari.”
Tun Abdullah passed away at 7:10 PM last night at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at the age of 85. His remains were transported from his residence in Tasik Perdana at 8:10 AM this morning to the National Mosque for a prayer ceremony and were buried in the Heroes' Mausoleum (Makam Pahlawan) at the mosque.