Idrus Ibrahim died in his sleep

BUKIT MERTAJAM, 25 September: Idrus Ibrahim, half-brother of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, showed no extraordinary signs before being found dead in his sleep at his home in Cheruk Tokkun here last evening.

His daughter Aida Rafizah Idrus, 54, said her 83-year-old father had suffered a heart attack last year, but his health recovered and he has only recently shown poor appetite.

Aida Rafizah said that although her father's legs were not as strong as before, Allahyarham was still able to get up and walk and take care of himself.

"We did not expect, we did not anticipate. Allah's mercy showed no signs of illness at noon, only the ghost ate a few kiwifruits and a bag of flour cakes, after which I told him to rest.

"So Allahyarham gets up before bed and probably wants to wake up to do the prayers based on the condition of Allahyarham who at that time had already put on the adhesive used for prayer, I surprised my father but it was about 5:30 p.m"., he said when found in his home here last night.

Earlier, the Prime Minister posted on Facebook on Thursday, sharing the sad news of his half-brother's departure as he was on his way home from a three-day work visit to China.

The eldest brother of the Prime Minister, Idrus Ibrahim died

Anwar said he was saddened that he had not been able to be with Allah at the last moments, other than asking people to keep praying and al-Fatihah for Allah.

Aida Rafizah, who lives with her father and mother, Faridah Hanim Mohd Ghouse, 80, said her father's departure came as a shock to the family because Allahyarham did not have any chronic illness and had previously been undergoing regular health checks in hospital.

He said the medical team confirmed his father had died of an old illness and the family was relieved by the departure of the beloved despite still being overshadowed by shock and sadness.

"My father who lives in Kuala Lumpur and my two sisters in Johor are on their way back here", she said.

Aida Rafizah who is the second of four siblings said her father's body will be buried in Cheruk Tokkun Bawah Cemetery after Friday prayers.

Idrus was the second of eight siblings, leaving behind a wife, four children and 10 grandchildren.

A Bernama survey at Allahyarham's residence found that people were present to visit the bodies and participate in the analysis ceremony, while some tents were also installed in the courtyard.

State Elder Tun Ramli Ngah Talib is expected to attend the funeral today.

Police are also controlling traffic in the area following a public outcry.