His tenure was marked by initiatives aimed at institutional reform, economic development, and fostering national unity. Serving as Prime Minister from to , Tun Abdullah was renowned for his gentle demeanor, commitment to clean governance, and efforts to promote a progressive interpretation of Islam.
Upon assuming office, Tun Abdullah prioritized the fight against corruption. In , he launched the National Integrity Plan NIP to instill a culture of integrity within the public sector and society at large. This initiative aimed to enhance transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct among civil servants and the private sector.
Additionally, he established the Malaysian Institute of Integrity IIM to oversee the implementation of integrity-related programs and policies. This approach emphasized values such as knowledge, economic development, justice, and cultural advancement. Islam Hadhari sought to present Islam as a progressive and tolerant religion, countering extremist narratives and fostering interfaith harmony.
Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan — , Abdullah focused on balanced economic growth, emphasizing rural development, agriculture, and small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs. He aimed to reduce income disparities and improve the quality of life for rural communities.
The plan also prioritized infrastructure development and human capital enhancement to support a knowledge-based economy. Recognizing education as pivotal for national progress, Abdullah implemented policies to strengthen the education system. His administration also focused on teacher training, curriculum development, and promoting science and technology education to prepare Malaysians for a competitive global environment.
