Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim paid heartfelt tribute to his “true friend” Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former two-time Prime Minister of India, who passed away at the age of 92.
Ibrahim referred to Dr. Singh as the “midwife of India’s emergence,” praising his key role in transforming India into a global economic power. He added that the recognition Dr. Singh received for his contributions was truly deserved.
In a post on X, Ibrahim expressed profound grief over the passing of Dr. Singh, highlighting his achievements as the architect of India’s economic reforms. He acknowledged Dr. Singh’s leadership in making India one of the world’s leading economies.
The weight of grief bears down on me at the news of the passing of my honoured and cherished friend: Dr Manmohan Singh.
Obituaries, essays and books a plenty there will surely be about this great man, celebrating him as the architect of India’s economic reforms. As Prime… pic.twitter.com/44bA3s7vst
— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) December 27, 2024
Ibrahim also spoke fondly of Dr. Singh’s personal qualities, noting that while he may have been “slightly awkward” in politics, he was undeniably “upright, steadfast, and resolute” as a statesman.
Ibrahim shared a personal memory of Dr. Singh’s kindness during his years of imprisonment, recalling how Singh had offered scholarships to his children, particularly to his son Ihsan. Although Ibrahim had declined the offer, he appreciated Dr. Singh’s generosity and selflessness. Ibrahim described this act as a reflection of Dr. Singh’s “extraordinary humanity,” which remained etched in his heart.
Concluding his tribute, Ibrahim said, “Goodbye, my mitra, my bhai, Manmohan,” honoring their deep friendship.
