Cikgu Idrus remembered by many for his principles and noble character

GEORGETOWN, MALAYSIA, 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Georgetown, Malaysia – Idrus Ibrahim, the 83‑year‑old elder brother of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, died of age‑related causes at 5.30 p.m. on 24 September 2026, the mosque in Cherok Tokun, Bukit Mertajam announced.

Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, Yang di‑Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang, and his wife Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah visited the Prime Minister’s residence to offer their sympathies.

In a formal statement, Tun Ramli recalled a brief but “very meaningful” personal encounter with Idrus during a visit the previous year, describing him as “soft‑spoken, of noble character and of good conduct.” He and his wife expressed solidarity with Anwar and his family, wishing them strength to endure the loss and praying that Allah would forgive Idrus’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him peace in the hereafter.

Steven Sim, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, paid tribute to the veteran teacher’s mentorship of his own political career. “Cikgu Idrus was not only a teacher and a great mentor to me. He was a disciplined, principled educator who always cared for his pupils,” Sim said.

He added that Idrus’s advice had guided him from his early days as a Member of Parliament to his current cabinet role, and that he would “always remember his service.” Sim concluded his remarks with condolences to the Prime Minister’s family.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek also expressed deep sorrow, saying she received the news “with a heavy heart, tears streaming.” She recalled Idrus as “always rich in advice and affection,” and invoked a prayer for his forgiveness and mercy. Fadhlina wished patience and resilience to Anwar’s family, especially the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim posted a personal message on Facebook, describing the news as “a soul‑shattering announcement” received while returning to Malaysia. He said he felt “unable to fully express the loss” of a brother who had shared many memories throughout his life, and lamented not being by Idrus’s side in his final moments. Anwar thanked Idrus for the memories and kindness he left behind, noting that they would remain etched in the family’s heart.

The official death notice issued by Masjid Jamek Cherok Tokun Bawah confirmed that Idrus’s body is being held at the Prime Minister’s residence in Cherok Tokun. A funeral prayer will be performed after the Friday congregational prayer at the mosque, after which the body will be interred at the adjacent Cherok Tokun Bawah Islamic cemetery.

Related: Masjid Jamek Cherok Tokun Bawah · Idrus Ibrahim · Georgetown, Malaysia