BUKIT MERTAJAM: A light drizzle fell over the Cherok Tokun Bawah Muslim cemetery as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim bid a final farewell to his elder sibling.
The soft rain accompanied the solemn proceedings as hundreds of family members, villagers, community leaders and dignitaries gathered to pay their last respects to Idrus Ibrahim.
For Anwar, the homecoming to Cherok Tokun yesterday was a deeply personal farewell to his elder brother in the place where their family roots run deep.
Family members were seen wiping away tears as prayers were recited with the solat jenazah (final prayer for the deceased) performed after Friday prayers.
Dark clouds added to the sombre mood as the talkin (religious recitation after a Muslim burial) was performed by Masjid Jamek Cherok Tokun Bawah first imam Tengku Zahari Tengku Baharom.
In a Facebook post, Anwar expressed gratitude for the love, service and kindness Idrus had shown the family throughout his life.
“Insya-Allah, we will continue moving forward and find the strength to carry on with the remainder of our lives although this loss has left a void that can never be filled,” he said.
Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his wife Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah were among those present.
Others included Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Penang Umno chief Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir, Penang Mufti Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman, Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon and Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Fahmi Zainol.
Sim, who was taught by Idrus, recalled how his strict discipline left a lasting impression on him.
“About 35 years ago, Cikgu Idrus tugged at my sideburns and told me to keep my hair neat.
“He said if we could not even manage something as simple as our hairstyle, we would be careless when faced with bigger responsibilities in the future,” he said in a Facebook post.
Sim said he only understood the reason behind Idrus’ strictness as he grew older, adding that his former teacher had always held high expectations from his students.
Idrus, 83, died on Thursday due to age-related factors.
He leaves behind his wife, four children and 10 grandchildren.
