BUKIT MERTAJAM, Sept 25 2026 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim returned to Cherok Tok Kun on Friday with a heavy heart to join his extended family in paying last respects to his elder brother, Idrus Ibrahim, who died at the age of 83.
In an X post accompanying photos from the family home, Anwar wrote that he had come back “with a heart full of sorrow and grief” to accompany relatives and offer a final greeting to Allahyarham Idrus Ibrahim. He thanked his brother for the love, service and kindness given to the family throughout his life, and said they would continue forward with strengthened hearts even though the loss left a space that could never be filled.
Idrus died in his sleep at his residence in Cherok Tok Kun at about 6.10pm on Thursday. Family members said he had shown no unusual signs beforehand, though he had a reduced appetite recently after recovering from a heart attack the previous year. He was the second of eight siblings and a former teacher who served as headmaster of Sekolah Kebangsaan Stowell in Bukit Mertajam. He is survived by his wife, Faridah Hanim Mohd Ghouse, four children and 10 grandchildren.
Anwar, who had just concluded a working visit to China, arrived at the family home around 11.05am with his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his wife paid their respects shortly afterwards, along with ministers, state leaders and hundreds of relatives, friends and local residents.
The remains were taken from the house to a temporary prayer hall at Masjid Jamek Cherok Tok Kun Bawah after midday. Funeral prayers after Friday prayers were led by Penang Mufti Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman. Burial took place at 2.10pm at the nearby Cherok Tok Kun Bawah Muslim Cemetery. Anwar walked with family members and members of the public during the procession.
Photos shared by Anwar show family members gathered around the body, reciting prayers and offering final respects in the modest family home. Several Cabinet ministers and political figures from different parties also conveyed condolences.
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