KUALA LUMPUR - Imprisoned former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak made an appearance at Masjid Negara this morning to pay his final respects to the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister.
Najib, who is currently serving a prison sentence and attending ongoing court proceedings, arrived at the mosque’s main lobby at approximately 10.35am. He was seen in a grey Proton X70 sports utility vehicle (SUV), accompanied by security personnel.
Those present said after a brief stop at the main lobby, Najib’s vehicle departed and later re-entered the mosque compound through the rear entrance - believed to be a move to avoid congestion and maintain security amidst the crowd gathered to pay tribute to the late statesman.
According to sources, Najib had just completed his morning session at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, where he is undergoing trial in connection with the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) corruption scandal.
He was granted temporary leave from the proceedings to attend the solemn occasion.
Abdullah, fondly known as Pak Lah, died yesterday at 7.10pm at the age of 85 at the National Heart Institute (IJN).
News on his passing was confirmed by his son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin via a social media post.
Pak Lah was born on Nov 26, 1939 in Bayan Lepas, Penang and helmed the country's premiership from Oct 31, 2003, until April 3, 2009, following the resignation of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Najib the succeeded Pak Lah as the sixth prime minister on April 3, 2009, following his resignation.
Back in September 2022, Khairy made an official announcement that Pak Lah has dementia, after a family discussion following many questions about the former leader’s health.