Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is mourning the death of his elder brother, Idrus Ibrahim, who passed away at the age of 83 on Sept. 24.
Anwar announced the death in a social-media post while he was travelling back to Malaysia after a three-day working visit to China. He said he received the news during the journey and expressed regret that he could not be beside his brother during his final moments.
Idrus died at his home in Cheruk Tokkun, Bukit Mertajam, Penang. His daughter, Aida Rafizah Idrus, said he had shown no unusual signs before his death and was able to walk and manage his daily activities. She said he had eaten a small amount of food before lying down to rest and was later found unconscious at around 5:30 p.m.
According to his family, Idrus had suffered a heart attack last year but had recovered. His daughter said he had recently experienced a reduced appetite but did not have any known chronic illness that suggested an imminent health crisis. The family said medical personnel confirmed that he died of old age.
Idrus was the second of eight siblings and leaves behind his wife, four children and 10 grandchildren. He was also known locally as an educator, having worked as a teacher and school headmaster. Several Malaysian public figures paid tribute to him following news of his death, recalling his role as a teacher and mentor.
In his message, Anwar described his brother’s death as a deeply painful loss and thanked Idrus for the memories and kindness he had left behind. He also asked the public and friends to pray for his brother and recite Al-Fatihah for him.
Anwar was in China when the news broke, having concluded meetings in Shanghai and Hangzhou during his official visit. His trip included discussions with Chinese leaders and businesses, with Malaysia recording potential investment commitments reportedly exceeding RM28 billion across sectors including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, electric vehicles and biotechnology.
The family planned to hold funeral prayers at the Cheruk Tokkun Bawah Mosque, with Idrus expected to be buried at the Cheruk Tokkun Bawah Cemetery after Friday prayers. Members of the public had also begun arriving at the family home to pay their respects.
The death has prompted condolences from Malaysian political and community figures, while Anwar’s return from China places him alongside his family as they prepare for the funeral and mourn the loss of his eldest brother.
The bigger question now is how Idrus Ibrahim’s family, former students and community will remember the educator whose life remained largely outside the political spotlight despite being the elder brother of Malaysia’s prime minister.
