Ex-Malaysian PM Abdullah Badawi, 'Mr. Nice Guy', dies at 85

Leader who boosted Singapore ties undone by predecessor Mahathir Mohamad

Abdullah Badawi, then Malaysia's prime minister, waves as he leaves the Ministry of Defense in Kuala Lumpur in April 2009. © Reuters

CK TAN

April 15, 2025 16:15 JST

TOKYO -- Abdullah Badawi, a former Malaysian prime minister who reinvigorated the country's governance and elevated ties with Singapore but resigned after being undermined by his predecessor Mahathir Mohamad, died on Monday at the age of 85.

Known as "Mr. Nice Guy" for courting few political adversaries, Badawi was handpicked by Mahathir to succeed him in 2003 after the latter had governed for over two decades during a period marked by rapid economic growth and controversial policies.