Abdullah Badawi Biography: Age, Real Name, Other Names, Career, Education, Parents, Height, Siblings, Wife, Children, Religion, Nationality

Early Life and Education

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was born on 26 November 1939 in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia. He came from a well-known religious family. Abdullah Badawi grandfather, Syeikh Abdullah Fahim, was a respected Islamic scholar and Malaysia’s first mufti of Penang. Abdullah’s father, Ahmad Badawi, was also involved in religion and politics. Abdullah Badawi mother, Kailan Haji Hassan, passed away in 2004.

Abdullah Badawi studied at Bukit Mertajam High School and later continued his education at the University of Malaya. He graduated in 1964 with a degree in Islamic Studies.

Early Career

After university, Abdullah Badawi joined the civil service. He worked in the Ministry of Youth and Sports and later as Secretary of the National Operations Council. In 1978, he entered politics and became a Member of Parliament for Kepala Batas, a seat he held for 35 years.

Political Life

Abdullah Badawi became Malaysia’s 5th Prime Minister in 2003, after Mahathir Mohamad stepped down. He held this role until 2009. He was also the President of UMNO, Malaysia’s largest political party, and led the Barisan Nasional coalition. Abdullah Badawi was known as “Pak Lah,” a friendly nickname meaning “Uncle Lah.”

During his time in office, Abdullah Badawi also served in many important roles:

• Minister of Education, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, and Finance
• Deputy Prime Minister (1999–2003)
• Minister of Internal Security
• Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement (2003–2006)

While Abdullah Badawi was popular at first, his government later faced criticism for its handling of the economy, rising prices, and lack of strong action against corruption.

Personal Life

Abdullah Badawi married Endon Mahmood in 1965. They had two children: Nori and Kamaluddin. Endon passed away in 2005 from breast cancer. In 2007, Abdullah Badawi married Jeanne Abdullah, who had two children from a previous marriage. Jeanne had worked as the manager of the Prime Minister’s residence.

Abdullah Badawi son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, became a prominent political figure, which led to some public criticism of Abdullah’s leadership. Abdullah Badawi brother was also involved in a controversial business deal with the national airline’s catering company.

Abdullah Badawi was also known as a poet. One of his poems, I Seek Eternal Peace, was translated into more than 80 languages.

Health and Final Years

In 2022, Khairy Jamaluddin revealed that Abdullah Badawi was suffering from dementia. He could no longer recognize his family or communicate clearly and used a wheelchair. He stayed out of the public eye in his final years.

Abdullah Badawi passed away on 14 April 2025 at the age of 85. He died at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur after experiencing breathing difficulties. He was surrounded by loved ones.

Leaders from across Malaysia paid tribute to Abdullah Badawi. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described him as a kind and respectful leader. The National Heart Institute remembered him for his calm and caring approach to public service.

Legacy

Although his leadership had ups and downs, Abdullah Badawi is remembered for his efforts to promote unity, moderation, and integrity in Malaysian politics. He served the country for decades and left a lasting impact as a leader who valued peace and compassion.

Parents

Abdullah Badawi father was Ahmad Badawi, a respected religious teacher and a member of the political party UMNO. His mother was Kailan Haji Hassan, who passed away in 2004 at the age of 80. Abdullah Badawi grandfather, Syeikh Abdullah Fahim, was a well-known religious leader and the first mufti of Penang after Malaysia's independence.

Siblings

Abdullah Badawi had a brother named Fahim Ibrahim Badawi. Fahim was involved in business and caused some public controversy when he bought a major share in a government-linked company.

Height

Abdullah Badawi was 1.65 meters tall, which is about 5 feet 5 inches.

Wife

Abdullah Badawi married Endon Mahmood in 1965. She passed away in 2005 after battling breast cancer. In 2007, Abdullah Badawi married Jeanne Abdullah, who was previously married to Endon’s younger brother.

Relationship

Abdullah Badawi first marriage to Endon Mahmood was a long and supportive one until her death. His second marriage to Jeanne Abdullah was announced in 2007 and was held in a small, private ceremony. Jeanne had two children from her earlier marriage.

Religion

Abdullah Badawi was a Muslim. He came from a deeply religious family and studied Islamic Studies at university.

Nationality

Abdullah Badawi was Malaysian by nationality, born in Bayan Lepas, Penang, when it was still part of British Malaya.

Ethnicity

Abdullah Badawi was of mixed ethnicity. His grandfather was of Hadrami Arab descent from Yemen, and his maternal grandfather was an Utsul Muslim from Hainan, China. So, he had both Arab and Chinese roots.

Controversy

During his time as Prime Minister, Abdullah Badawi faced criticism for allowing his family to be involved in business deals linked to the government. His son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, was said to have too much influence in politics. Abdullah Badawi brother and son were also linked to deals that caused public concern. Critics also said his fight against corruption was weak and lacked follow-through.

Net Worth

Abdullah Badawi exact net worth was never made public. However, as a long-serving politician and former Prime Minister, it is believed he lived comfortably. Some controversy around his family’s business ties led people to question the wealth and influence they had.

FAQs 

1. What is Abdullah Badawi real name?

- Abdullah Badawi full name is Tun Dato' Seri Haji Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi.

2. How old is Abdullah Badawi?

- Abdullah Badawi was born on November 26, 1939. As of 2025, he is 85 years old.

3. What was Abdullah Badawi career?

- Abdullah Badawi was a Malaysian politician and the 5th Prime Minister of Malaysia from 2003 to 2009.

4. What is Abdullah Badawi educational background?

- Abdullah Badawi studied Islamic Studies at the University of Malaya and graduated in 1964.

5. Who are Abdullah Badawi parents?

- Abdullah Badawi father was Ahmad Badawi, a religious teacher and politician. His mother was Kailan Haji Hassan.

6. How tall is Abdullah Badawi?

- Abdullah Badawi is about 1.65 meters tall (around 5 feet 5 inches).

7. Does Abdullah Badawi have any siblings?

- Yes, Abdullah Badawi had a brother named Fahim Ibrahim Badawi, who was involved in business.

8. Who is Abdullah Badawi wife?

- Abdullah Badawi first wife was Endon Mahmood, who passed away in 2005. He later married Jeanne Abdullah in 2007.

9. Does Abdullah Badawi have children?

- Yes, Abdullah Badawi has children, including a son named Kamaluddin Abdullah, a businessman.

10. What is Abdullah Badawi religion and nationality?

- Abdullah Badawi is a Muslim and a Malaysian citizen.