Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
THE Government of Zimbabwe has paid tribute to the late former Prime Minister of Malaysia, His Excellency Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, acknowledging his critical role in Malaysia’s sustained economic growth and political stability.
The former Prime Minister died on April 14 at the age of 85.
This Monday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Professor Amon Murwira signed the book of condolences at the Malaysian embassy in Harare.
“It is with deep sadness that we learnt of the death of former Prime Minister and we have come to sign the book of condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe. We are sorry for the loss of a statesman and friend of Zimbabwe and we shall ensure that we continue improving the already existing excellent relations between Zimbabwe and Malaysia,” he said.
The embassy of Malaysia’s Charge D’Affaire, Mr Aniff Fauzi applauded the ties with Zimbabwe.
“We are humbled by the joining in mourning by Zimbabwe and this further cements the ties that exist between our two countries in a number fields,” he said.
The fifth Prime Minister of Malaysia who served between 2003 and 2009, is remembered for prioritising good governance, civil service reform along with the promotion of interfaith dialogue.
Under his stewardship, Malaysia experienced strong economic growth and stability with his administration placing emphasis on agriculture, biotechnology and rural development – launching several strategic development partnerships, especially within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
