AP News, June 6th, 2007
Malaysia's prime minister said Wednesday he is in love again and will remarry this week, although his affection for his late wife remains strong.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, 67, said he and Jeanne Abdullah, 53, will be married Saturday at the prime minister's official residence. Only close relatives will attend.
Abdullah's wife of 40 years, Endon Mahmood, died of breast cancer in 2005, and the prime minister captured the hearts of many when he broke down in tears during her funeral.
He said that he has known Jeanne, a "simple and friendly person," for about 20 years, and that they developed feelings for each other a year ago.
"My love for Endon remains as strong as ever, but I have fallen in love with this one," Abdullah said. "Jeanne also loved Endon."
Jeanne, who used to run the prime minister's household before and during Endon's illness, is the ex-wife of Endon's younger brother. They have been divorced for 15 years.
Abdullah said he doesn't remember when exactly he proposed to Jeanne, but that there was "no bending of knees." Honeymoon plans have not been discussed, he said.
The wedding did not come as a total shock, since Malaysian news Web sites and blogs had swirled with rumors early this year that Abdullah was contemplating marriage.
"That's great," said Noh Yusof, a former lawyer. "He needs someone to be with him to represent the country as a first lady. I think it's timely."
Abdullah is liked by Malaysians for his soft-spoken and avuncular personality. He and his late wife did not shy from showing their love in public, often hugging and kissing each other's cheeks.
"He loved his wife, but life must go on. Let the man marry," said Raja Kamariah, 59, a nurse. "It's good for him. He needs somebody."
Abdullah has two children with Endon _ a successful businessman son and a daughter who is married to Khairy Jamalauddin, a Western-educated businessman and rising star in Malaysian politics. Khairy is also a key adviser to the prime minister.
Jeanne has two daughters in their 20s.
"I feel happy and grateful to God because the woman of my choice has the blessings of my children and siblings," Abdullah said. "I believe she can take care of me, be my companion."
He said all pictures of Endon in the palatial prime minister's residence will remain. "Nothing will change, because those are eternal memories," he said.
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Associated Press writers Eileen Ng and Julia Zappei contributed to this report.
