TUN ABDULLAH'S LEADERSHIP AND FORESIGHT LEAVE LASTING IMPACT ON MALAYSIA'S ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE

By Nor Baizura Basri

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s leadership and foresight were instrumental in laying the foundation for Malaysia’s economic corridor initiatives, which have left a lasting impact on the country’s economic landscape, said the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC).

Its chief executive officer, Datuk Baidzawi Che Mat, said the fifth prime minister’s efforts were not only geared towards fostering economic growth but also advancing regional equality and sustainability.

“During his tenure as prime minister from 2003 to 2009, Abdullah played a pivotal role in establishing ECER and four other economic corridors. His contributions were fundamental in shaping the vision and execution of these initiatives, with the goal of driving economic growth and regional development.

“Abdullah sought to tackle disparities in economic development across regions. The economic corridors were strategically designed to uplift underdeveloped areas by generating employment opportunities and supporting local communities, thereby promoting inclusive growth,” he told Bernama when contacted tonight.

Baidzawi said Abdullah, affectionately known as Pak Lah, also underscored the significance of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to Malaysia.

“The creation of five economic corridors was geared towards cultivating conducive environments for businesses, thereby stimulating investment inflows and bolstering economic growth in the designated areas,” he added.

Abdullah is remembered as a visionary leader who introduced an inclusive development approach by establishing several strategic economic corridors across the country, including the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), in 2007.

Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive officer (CEO) Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan extended his condolences on behalf of NCER over Abdullah’s passing and said the former prime minister’s passing represented a significant loss to the nation, particularly in the fields of human capital development, socioeconomics, and people’s welfare.

“This initiative has been a key catalyst in attracting investment, bridging the development gap between urban and rural areas, and strengthening infrastructure, modern agriculture, and human capital development in NCER, encompassing Perlis, Kedah, Penang, and Perak.

“NCER expresses its profound gratitude for Abdullah’s contributions and services in shaping inclusive and sustainable development policies. May his soul be granted mercy and placed among the faithful,” he said in a statement tonight.

Mohamad Haris added that Abdullah was also known for promoting the Islam Hadhari principles, which reinforced good governance and drove national development based on noble values.

“He also played a crucial role in strengthening Malaysia’s international relations, particularly with Islamic countries, through Malaysia’s active participation in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), as well as advocating for important issues affecting Muslims globally,” he said.

Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) CEO Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman also extended his condolences.

“Abdullah’s contributions to regional economic development, with Iskandar Malaysia as the first economic zone, will continue to serve as a benchmark in strengthening the local economy.

“May Allah forgive all his sins, accept his good deeds, and elevate his status in the eyes of Allah,” he told Bernama when contacted.

Abdullah proposed the formation of several economic corridors during his administration, leveraging the strengths and resources of various regions within the country.

This was aimed at developing economically lagging areas so that the benefits could be enjoyed by the people, particularly in rural areas, which was in line with his vision of balanced and inclusive development for all.

In 2006, Iskandar Malaysia in Johor became the first economic corridor to be launched, followed by NCER, and then the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), Sabah Development Corridor, and Sarawak Renewable Energy Corridor.

Each economic corridor was designated for different economic activities, with NCER focusing on agriculture and commodities, covering Perlis, Penang, Kedah, and Perak.

-- BERNAMA