Penang governor extends condolences over passing of Idrus Ibrahim

GEORGE TOWN, 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib has formally expressed his condolences to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his family following the passing of the Prime Minister’s elder brother, Idrus Ibrahim.

The death of Idrus Ibrahim has drawn immediate attention from state and federal leaders, highlighting the personal and professional networks that extend beyond the corridors of power. For Malaysian readers, the passing shows the enduring influence of educators and community leaders in shaping the nation’s political and social fabric.

The response from Penang’s top state official serves as a formal acknowledgment of the loss, bridging the gap between state-level governance and the personal grief of the federal executive.

In a statement uploaded to his official social media accounts on Thursday, Tun Ramli stated that he received the news with profound sorrow. He recalled a visit to the late Idrus Ibrahim last year, noting that although the meeting was brief, it left a lasting impression on him. The Yang di-Pertua Negeri described the deceased as a person of good character and gentle in speech, offering the Islamic prayer of Al-Fatihah for his soul.

Tun Ramli and his wife, Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah, extended their deepest sympathy to Anwar Ibrahim and his family. In their message, they prayed that Allah SWT would accept Idrus’ good deeds, broaden and illuminate his grave, and place his soul among the faithful and righteous.

This formal expression of condolence from the head of the Penang state government reflects the protocol observed in such instances, where state leaders offer support to federal counterparts during times of personal loss.

The reaction was not limited to state leadership, as Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong also paid tribute to the late Idrus. Sim, who serves as the Member of Parliament for Bukit Mertajam, described Idrus as more than just a teacher and headmaster. He characterized the late educator as a strict, disciplined, and principled figure who always cared for his students.

Sim’s comments highlight the personal mentorship Idrus provided, extending his influence into the political sphere through his students.

Sim stated that he deeply appreciated the advice and guidance Idrus gave him from the time he first became an MP until he joined the Cabinet. In a social media post made on the same day, Sim wrote, "I will always remember my teacher's contributions." This statement points to the long-term impact of Idrus Ibrahim’s educational philosophy on his students, many of whom have gone on to hold significant positions in the government.

The connection between the late headmaster and current cabinet ministers illustrates the deep roots of the current political administration in the educational institutions of the country.

The passing of Idrus Ibrahim occurs at a time when the Malaysian political landscape is focused on economic development and social cohesion. As a former educator, his legacy is tied to the development of human capital, a key component of the nation’s economic strategy. The tributes from both state and federal leaders reflect a unified front in honoring a figure who contributed to the moral and intellectual development of the country’s leadership.

The formal condolences from Penang’s Yang di-Pertua Negeri and the personal reflections from the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister demonstrate the broad respect Idrus commanded across different sectors of public life.

The news of Idrus Ibrahim’s passing has been widely shared on social media, where the public is also offering their condolences. The response highlights the community’s appreciation for educators who dedicate their lives to shaping the next generation of leaders. As the nation mourns, the focus remains on the legacy of Idrus Ibrahim, whose teachings and character continue to influence those who knew him.

The formal statements from Tun Ramli and Steven Sim serve as a testament to the respect and affection the late Idrus held in the hearts of his peers and students, marking the end of a significant chapter in Malaysian public life.

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