Prime Minister Anwar pays last respects to late brother Idrus in Cherok Tok Kun

CHEROK TOK KUN, PENANG, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Prime Minister Anwar Pays Final Tributes to Elder Brother Idrus, Former Teacher and Educator, in Penang

Anwar, accompanied by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, arrived at the family home at 11:05 AM, where he was met by an outpouring of grief from family members and residents who had gathered to pay their respects.

The loss of Idrus, 83, marks a significant moment for the Ibrahim family and the broader community, particularly as he was a respected figure in Penang’s educational landscape. His passing follows a period of public mourning, with his funeral scheduled for after today’s Friday prayers at the Cherok Tok Kun Bawah Muslim Cemetery.

The event shows the deep personal and communal bonds in Penang, where public figures and their families often draw attention during times of bereavement.

Idrus was the second of eight siblings and leaves behind a legacy as a dedicated educator. Throughout his career, he served as headmaster of two prominent schools in Penang: Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Permatang Bertam in Kepala Batas and SK Stowell in Bukit Mertajam. His contributions to local education were noted by officials and residents alike, with his death eliciting tributes from political leaders and religious figures present at the wake.

Among those attending the wake were Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim, Penang Mufti Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman, and Penang police chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Kheng. The presence of these dignitaries reflects the brother’s influence beyond his professional life, as well as the political and administrative weight of the Ibrahim family in Penang.

Anwar’s emotional display during the ceremony—reciting Surah Yasin beside his brother’s remains—highlighted the personal toll of the loss. The prime minister’s gesture, coupled with his interactions with mourners, underscored the public’s respect for Idrus and the Ibrahim family’s enduring presence in Penang’s social and political fabric. The wake also served as a reminder of the family’s deep roots in the state, where the Ibrahim name carries historical significance.

Idrus is survived by his wife, four children, and 10 grandchildren, all of whom will now carry forward his memory. His passing follows a period of transition for the Ibrahim family, which has recently seen Anwar assume the role of prime minister while navigating the complexities of national governance.

The funeral proceedings today mark the final chapter in Idrus’s life, with his legacy tied to both his professional achievements and his role as a family pillar.

The event has drawn attention beyond Penang, with local media outlets such as New Sarawak Tribune and Malay Mail reporting on the proceedings. The coverage reflects the broader regional interest in the Ibrahim family’s public life, particularly as Anwar continues to shape Malaysia’s political trajectory. The funeral rites today will conclude the immediate mourning period, though the family’s grief and the community’s tributes will likely persist in the coming days.

Related: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim