KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): The funeral rites for former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi began at Masjid Negara on Tuesday morning, with his remains arriving at the mosque around 8.30am.
His son-in-law, former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin, said the late statesman’s body was ritually cleansed and shrouded in accordance with Islamic funeral rites, aided by Masjid Negara officials and family members.
“Although we had earlier announced that members of the public and those wishing to pay their last respects could come from 11am, as preparations were completed earlier, the public may start arriving from 10am,” Khairy told reporters.
The late prime minister’s body was placed in the mosque’s main prayer hall, where family members, dignitaries and members of the public were quietly filing past.
Some notable personalities that arrived early at Masjid Negara included former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, Federal Land Development Authority chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, and businessman Datuk Seri Khalid Mohamad Jiwa.
Khairy said the window for public viewing would be from 10am to 1pm, followed by the Zuhur prayer, funeral prayer, and the state burial ceremony at the Heroes’ Mausoleum.
Najib granted permission to attend funeral
Imprisoned former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was allowed to attend the funeral of his predecessor. His lead lawyer, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, told the court they had asked the Prisons Department to allow Najib to attend the memorial service. The prosecution had no objections.
Najib arrived at Masjid Negara around 10.40am, escorted by Prisons Department personnel. He spent approximately five minutes paying his respects before departing.
Mahathir arrives to pay respects
Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also made an appearance at Masjid Negara, arriving around 11am together with his son, former Kedah menteri besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.
Their arrival drew the attention of mourners gathered at the mosque, as many recognised the significance of Mahathir’s presence to honour his successor.
Singapore pays its respect
11.30am: Former Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong has also arrived to pay his respects.
Crowd builds, mood is sombre
The crowd started building, with VIPs, diplomatic dignitaries, and ordinary citizens queuing up to pay their last respects. There were now about 250 members of the public, as well as 50 media personnel, in the mosque grounds.
Earlier, former finance minister Lim Guan Eng, former minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, and former Selangor menteri besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib were seen visiting with Pak Lah's bereaved family.
11.35am: Sultan of Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin arrives in a black baju melayu.
12.20pm: Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin arrives together with former Selangor menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, and former Perak menteri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
1pm: The number of mourners has now grown to 350.
1.02pm: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and a few federal Cabinet ministers — Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Economy Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Rafizi Ramli, and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad — have arrived to express their condolences to Pak Lah’s family, and to attend the funeral prayers and burial, which will be held after the Zuhur prayers. They were greeted at the door by Pak Lah’s son, Tan Sri Kamaluddin Abdullah.
1.30pm: The atmosphere at Masjid Negara is solemn and reflective, as a steady stream of mourners arrive under the bright midday sun.
Despite the clear skies, the mood was subdued, with many standing in quiet contemplation as they awaited their turn to pay their respects.
By the start of Zohor prayers at around 1.25pm, over 500 people had gathered, forming a sombre crowd of dignitaries, family members, and members of the public, united in grief — to honour a leader remembered for his humility, integrity, and gentle demeanour.
1.55pm: The casket bearing Pak Lah’s remains is being carried out of the main prayer hall, to be taken to the Heroes’ Mausoleum, which is situated within the mosque’s grounds. As a former prime minister, Pak Lah will be buried beneath the white dome of the mausoleum, which is reserved for top national leaders.
Only family members and VIPs are allowed to attend this part of the funeral.
2.30pm: The talqin (prayer for the dead) has begun.
Burial ceremony concludes, family expresses gratitude to mourners
3pm: The state funeral ceremony has come to an end, as key dignitaries, including Anwar and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, leave the mosque grounds.
3.20pm: Pak Lah’s son, Kamaluddin, has left the mosque grounds with his family, followed shortly by Pak Lah’s daughter, Nori Abdullah, and her husband Khairy.
Speaking briefly to the media before leaving, Khairy expressed the family’s gratitude to all those who came to honour the late prime minister. “On behalf of the family, we would like to thank everyone — members of the public, Malaysian top leaders, friends — who made time to pay their last respects to Tun,” he said.
3.30pm: Members of the public and media are allowed access to the Heroes’ Mausoleum, where the final rites were held.
As the mosque began to empty out, the atmosphere remained hushed and heavy with emotion, with many lingering in quiet remembrance of the humble leader.
