He brings a gentler, more diplomatic approach of Malaysia's relation with the world. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi became Malaysia's prime minister on 1 November 2003, one of Asia's richest countries, when Mahathir Muhammad stepped down after his 22 years as prime minister. Abdullah began his political career in 1978, becoming MP and rising swiftly joining Cabinet (1981) overseeing religious affairs and then becoming education minister (1984). He was appointed foreign minister in 1991. He was elected a vice-president of United Malays National Organisation (Umno), the ruling party. Abdullah was appointed deputy prime minister and minister for home affairs, in 1999, after Anwar Ibrahim was sacked and jailed for 15 years on sodomy and corruption charges. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who is often known as a political 'Mr Nice Guy' and who filled Dr Mahathir's shoes is perceived as one managing via consensus rather than by issuing orders. He will be vital in managing the transition to post-Mahathir Malaysia. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, a personable and popular, and universally referred to by an affectionate nickname, Pak Lah, is the son of a prominent state politician and Islamic scholar from Penang.