Former Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi passed away on Monday at the age of 85, according to his family and medical officials.

Abdullah, who succeeded veteran leader Mahathir Mohamad after his 22-year tenure, became Malaysia’s fifth prime minister in 2003.

His son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, who previously served as health minister, announced on Instagram that Abdullah died at 7:10 p.m. (1110 GMT) at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur. The cause of death was not specified.

The National Heart Institute stated that Abdullah was admitted on Sunday after experiencing breathing difficulties and was immediately placed in intensive care.

The institute added that despite all medical efforts, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.

During his time as premier of the Muslim-majority nation, Abdullah initiated an anti-corruption campaign and advocated a moderate interpretation of Islam, emphasizing economic and technological advancement over religious fundamentalism. However, he faced public criticism for his review of fuel subsidies, which led to a significant increase in prices.

Abdullah stepped down in 2009, a year after the then-ruling Barisan Nasional coalition lost its parliamentary supermajority for the first time in the country’s history. He was succeeded by Najib Razak.