A light rain accompanied the final rites as Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended the funeral of his elder brother, Idrus Ibrahim, at the Cherok Tokun Bawah Muslim cemetery in Bukit Mertajam on Friday. The somber atmosphere drew hundreds of family members, villagers, community leaders, and public figures who gathered to pay their respects.
Idrus Ibrahim, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 83 due to age-related causes, was laid to rest in the village where the family has strong roots. The burial was conducted following Friday prayers, with the solat jenazah, the Islamic final prayer for the deceased, performed at the mosque adjoining the cemetery. Tengku Zahari Tengku Baharom, the first imam of Masjid Jamek Cherok Tokun Bawah, led the talkin, a religious recitation traditionally held after Muslim burials.
Among the notable attendees were Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his wife, Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah; Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong; Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid; Penang Umno chief Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir; Penang Mufti Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman; as well as assemblymen Lee Khai Loon from Machang Bubuk and Fahmi Zainol from Pantai Jerejak.
In a social media post, Anwar Ibrahim expressed deep gratitude for his brother’s dedication and kindness throughout his lifetime, acknowledging the enduring impact Idrus had on the family. He also reflected on the challenge of moving forward after a loss that leaves an irreplaceable void.
Minister Steven Sim, who once was a student of Idrus, shared a personal memory illustrating the late elder’s disciplined approach to teaching. About 35 years ago, Idrus admonished Sim over his untidy hair, stressing that managing small details like personal appearance was crucial preparation for greater responsibilities in life. Sim noted that he came to appreciate the rationale behind Idrus’ firmness and high expectations with time.
Idrus Ibrahim is survived by his wife, four children, and ten grandchildren. The funeral marked a poignant return to the village that shaped the family’s heritage and underscored the community’s respect for the late elder’s life and contributions.