Abdullah, the fifth prime minister, was buried after a state funeral attended by his family and government officials.
Alongside the late Abdullah’s widow, Jeanne Abdullah, were his children Kamaluddin and Nori, as well as Nori’s husband, Khairy Jamaluddin, and several close family members.
Also present at the Warriors’ Mausoleum were Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, deputy prime ministers Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, and other national leaders.
The public was given the opportunity to pay their last respects from 10am to 1pm today.
Abdullah, fondly known as Pak Lah, passed away last night at the age of 85.
The Penang native spent more than a decade as a civil servant before running for election in 1978, and going on to become the country’s fifth prime minister from 2003 to 2009.
Speaking to reporters, Fadillah highlighted the fifth prime minister’s contributions not only to the country but also to his home state.
“Even in Sarawak, the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) that was implemented during his time is still a success today,” he said, referring to the 2008 economic region and development corridor covering the central region of the state.
“On behalf of the people of Sarawak, Premier Abang Johari Openg also extends our deepest condolences.”
Meanwhile, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said Abdullah’s contributions deserved to be remembered and preserved for future generations.
“As communications minister, I would like to propose the creation of a documentary showcasing the key achievements during his administration, so that the younger generation can learn from them,” he said.
A sombre Khairy attested to his father-in-law’s modesty, reflected in the open nature of his funeral.
“Pak Lah wasn’t one for formality or protocol. That’s why everyone – members of the public and VIPs alike – was welcomed to attend at the same time.
“I want to thank all the dignitaries who came, including the Sultan of Terengganu, the royal family of Negeri Sembilan and Pahang, the governors of Melaka, Sabah, and Penang, as well as the prime minister, both deputy prime ministers, and all the former prime ministers,” he told reporters after the burial was completed.