On trip to China, Anwar mourns death of elder brother Idrus at home

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Sept 25 — The elder brother of Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Idrus Ibrahim, passed away at his home in Cheruk Tokkun yesterday without any noticeable symptoms. His daughter, Aida Rafizah Idrus, 54, shared that her late father, 83, who had previously experienced a heart attack last year, had recovered and only exhibited a poor appetite in recent days.

Her father, although experiencing weakened leg strength, was still able to walk and manage himself. The family was taken aback by his sudden passing, as he showed no signs of illness during the day and had eaten a little kiwi fruit and a cake before lying down to rest. Aida Rafizah, who was present at the residence, attempted to wake her father for the Asar prayer but found him unconscious around 5:30 pm.

Anwar Ibrahim expressed his sorrow through a Facebook post while on his return journey from China, requesting prayers and recitation of Al-Fatihah for his late brother. The cause of death was attributed to old age by the medical team. Aida Rafizah stated that her family accepts the loss of their father despite their shock and grief.

Funeral prayers will be held at Cheruk Tokkun Bawah Mosque and the burial will take place at Cheruk Tokkun Bawah Cemetery after Friday prayers. The late Idrus Ibrahim, a brother of Anwar, leaves behind a wife, four children, and ten grandchildren.