Kuala Lumpur - Malaysians – including family members and fellow politicians – gave a resounding “aye” to the Prime Minister`s upcoming marriage to Jeanne Abdullah.
“This is the moment we`ve all been waiting for,” said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in London.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who had been deluged with text messages from Malaysia since morning, conveyed his heartiest congratulations to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on behalf of his Cabinet colleagues.
Speaking to Malaysian journalists after visiting the Malaysia Week celebrations at Covent Garden yesterday, Najib hailed the prime minister`s decision as “a wise and positive step” to enrich his life.
“We believe a life companion is necessary for the prime minister who shoulders heavy responsibilities in leading and running the country,” he said.
Abdullah`s son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin said the family members were happy with Abdullah`s decision to remarry and fully supported the decision.
“We are happy about the wedding on Saturday and the Prime Minister has full support from family members. It is an event that has a lot of meaning for us as he is very happy,” the deputy Umno Youth chief told reporters.
Khairy, who is married to Abdullah`s daughter Nori, said the akad nikah ceremony would be conducted on a small scale and only close family members were invited.
Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, who is also MCA president, said:
“Malaysians share this good news with joy. We wish the Prime Minister and his family much blessed happiness. With such a concerned, loving and capable woman as his wife, the MCA is confident the Prime Minister will be able to build a harmonious and happy family.
“More importantly, the Prime Minister will have renewed spirit in his life. This will also translate into a more determined leadership in caring for the people and achieving greater national development.”
Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said:
“This is the best thing that that can happen to a man who lost his wife (Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood). I`m so happy for him. I pray that the couple will have happy days ahead and their marriage will be blessed.”
Entrepreneurial and Co-operative Development Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin said the Prime Minister had been taking care of the nation and it was “time that someone takes care of him.”
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin congratulated the Prime Minister and his soon-to-be wife.
“The Prime Minister can lead the country to greater heights with the support of a wife,” he said.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor wished the couple all the best and was happy that there would be “someone to look after the Prime Minister.”
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali said: “I hope with his wedding, his life will be more organised.”
Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said he prayed for happiness for Abdullah and wished him a wonderful newly-married life.
“I believe Jeanne will be able to help Abdullah take care of household matters, especially when he is so busy and has had to do everything by himself since Endon died.”
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said he wished the Prime Minister a happy marriage.
“I am sure that another life partner will enable him to lighten his burden and lessen his weariness. I wish him all the best,” he said.
AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes hoped Abdullah would have a great life together with his future wife.
Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai wished Abdullah all the best.
“It is great to see that Abdullah will have someone to take care of his personal life, since he is busy at work all the time.
“Currently his daughter has to help him with personal matters, and she too has her own responsibilities with her family,” he added.
Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon wished the couple good health and happiness.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman said in a statement: ”On behalf of the people of Sabah, I extend my congratulations and best wishes to Abdullah on his forthcoming marriage.”
Source: http://thestaronline.com (8 Juni 2007)
