The story behind Malaysia’s National Cancer Institute

Tun Abdullah’s personal loss inspired a lasting legacy in cancer care

SHAH ALAM, Malaysia (MNTV) — Malaysia mourns the loss of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, its fifth Prime Minister, whose enduring legacy includes the establishment of the National Cancer Institute, a facility born from personal tragedy.

Years ago, Abdullah faced an immense loss when his wife, Endon Mahmood, succumbed to cancer. 

Stricken by grief yet driven by compassion, he sought to turn his pain into purpose, envisioning a center that would ease the suffering of others. 

His vision became a reality with the creation of the National Cancer Institute, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to cancer treatment and research, reports Sinar Daily.

Medical officer and social media influencer Dr. Ahmad Samhan recently reflected on this legacy in a heartfelt Facebook post. 

“In his grief, Tun Abdullah rose again—not for himself, but for others who might endure the same pain. With a love that never faded, he built an institution to fight the illness that took his soulmate,” Dr. Ahmad wrote.

The institute, located on a sprawling 1,065-acre site in Putrajaya, symbolizes resilience, compassion, and dedication to public welfare. 

It is more than a hospital; it is a sanctuary of hope and a testament to a leader’s selflessness.

What began as a tribute to Endon Mahmood has grown into a beacon for families navigating their own cancer journeys. 

Each treatment and every life saved honors the memory of a man who transformed personal sorrow into a gift for his nation.

As Malaysians remember Abdullah, they celebrate a legacy rooted in love, resilience, and service. 

Dr. Ahmad captured this sentiment: “He could not save his wife… but he built hope for thousands. Thank you, Tun Abdullah. Your love lives on in every patient’s recovery.”