Tun Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi became the 5th Prime Minister of Malaysia on 31 October 2003. Born on 26 November 1939, Tun Abdullah graduated with B.A. (Hons) in Islamic studies from University of Malaya in 1964. Starting his career as Assistant Secretary in the Public Services Department in 1964, Tun Abdullah’s services in the government include: the National Operation Council (NOC) or Majlis Gerakan Negara (MAGERAN) 1969-1971; Director General of Youth 1971-1973; Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports 1974-1978. Tun Abdullah resigned from Government service in 1978 and was elected to Parliamentary Seat of Kepala Batas constituency (a seat he has retained since) same year. His appointments include: Parliamentary Secretary to the Federal Territory Ministry 1978-1980; Deputy Minister, Federal Territory Ministry 1980-1981; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department 1981-1984; Minister of Education 1984-1986; Minister of Defense 1986-1987; Minister of Foreign Affairs 1991-1999; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs 1999-2003; During his tenure as the Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah also held the post of Minister of Finance 2003-2008, Minister of Internal Security 2003-2008, and Minister of Defense 2008-2009. Tun Abdullah married the late Datin Seri Endon Dato’ Mahmood in 1965 and after 40 years of marriage, lost her after a prolonged battle with cancer on 20 October 2005. They have 2 children and 6 grandchildren. Tun Abdullah married Tun Jeanne Abdullah on 9 June 2007. Tun Jeanne has two daughters. Tun Abdullah stepped down as Prime Minister on 3 April 2009. At present he is the Chairman of the Institute of Islamic Understanding of Malaysia (IKIM) and advisor to the Malaysian Airlines (MAS) and five economic development corridors.