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As Malaysians mourn the passing of former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, many are remembering the legacies he left behind — including the introduction of the five-day work week in 2005
Abdullah, affectionately known as Pak Lah, passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at 7.10pm on Monday, 14 April.
Since then, social media has been filled with tributes, with netizens expressing their condolences and gratitude for his contributions.
Image via Yusof Mat Isa/Malay Mail
One notable policy that was brought up is the shift to a five-day work week for civil servants — a change that began in July 2005
According to Malaysiakini, the move, away from five-and-a-half days, was aimed at boosting domestic tourism and strengthening family ties.
"In 2005, Malaysia adopted the five-day work week. Before that, it was common for us to work on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Even though it was only a half-day, we would only get home around 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
"It was Pak Lah who introduced this change to give Malaysians more rest and time with their families. Thank you, Pak Lah," shared @hizwani on X.
The post sparked a wave of nostalgic replies from Malaysians, who remembered the change from their childhoods
"I remember following my late mum to work on Saturdays. Then, one day, she was suddenly home on Saturdays. It ruined my plans to not study and watch cartoons in the morning," an X user joked.
"My siblings and I would follow our parents to the office on Saturdays, and we'd walk in the mall when we got bored. Those shops became our playground," another shared.
Some were surprised to learn about Pak Lah's role in the change: "Wow, I didn't know this was one of Pak Lah's initiatives, thanks for the info."
"I was only in Standard 1 when this change happened. Pak Lah really contributed a lot to the country," another user reflected.
Image via X
Nearly 20 years later, Malaysians working in the public sector still appreciate the extra day of rest each week — an impact that lives long after Pak Lah's lifetime.
