Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi became the fifth Prime Minister of Malaysia on 31st October 2003. Born in Penang on 26 November 1939, received his primary and secondary education in Penang and later pursued his tertiary education at the University of Malaya, where he graduated with B.A.(Hons.) in Islamic studies in 1964. Joined the civil service upon graduation and started his career in the Public Services Department. In 1969, moved to the National Operation Council (NOC) and was later promoted to the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports as Director General (1971-1973) and Deputy Secretary General in 1974. In 1978, resigned from government service to pursue a political career. He joined the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) in 1965 and was elected Supreme Council Member in 1981, Vice-President in 1984 and Deputy President in 1999. Abdullah won his first Parliamentary seat (Kepala Batas) in 1978, a seat he has retained since. In the same year, appointed as Parliamentary Secretary at the Federal Territory Ministry and promoted to Deputy Minister 1980. Later appointed Minister at the Prime Minister's Department (1981-1984), Minister of Education (1984-1986), Minister of Defence (1986-1987) and Minister of Foreign Affairs (1991-1999). In January 1999, appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs. Married with  a son and a daughter.[Text of Speech]