In Memory of Ibrahim Saad

A Former Colleague and Close Friend

I am very shocked and saddened to hear of the demise of Ibrahim Saad, a former colleague and close friend. I have just conveyed my condolences to his widow, Zainab Kadir.

Early Years and Academia

Ibrahim and I got to know each other in the early 1970s when we were graduate students in the United States. He was at the University of Wisconsin, while I was at the University of Chicago. We had visited each other before we later became colleagues in politics and government.

Political Career

We both left academia in 1982 when I was elected as an MP and he was appointed political secretary to Anwar Ibrahim. In 1986, he won the Seberang Jaya state seat and was appointed as an executive councillor in the Penang government under the late Dr Lim Chong Eu.

Working Together

Ibrahim served well as my deputy during my first term as Penang chief minister from 1990 to 1995. We worked closely together, facing a very strong opposition in the state legislative assembly, with 14 DAP members led by Lim Kit Siang versus 19 from Barisan Nasional (BN), comprising Umno (12) and Gerakan (7).

Challenges and Achievements

With a strong sense of purpose, we forged an effective working relationship in facing many challenges. He managed to stabilise Umno in Penang, while I strengthened Gerakan. I still remember our first major challenge was the by-election for the Perai state constituency in 1991. BN fielded V Muthusamy, a first-timer from MIC against DAP’s Karpal Singh. Against great odds, we won that by-election.

Legacy

We then worked very hard to formulate a new strategic development plan for Penang. We also went to the grassroots very often to garner support. As a result, in the 1995 general elections, we managed to win 32 out of 33 seats, setting a strong momentum for the next two general elections in 1999 and 2004.

Last Years

In the 1995 general elections, Ibrahim was moved up to the federal level and won the parliamentary seat of Tasek Gelugor. He was then named deputy transport minister and was later appointed Malaysia’s ambassador to the Philippines. We continued to keep in touch. My last visit to his house in Kuala Lumpur was just before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

Ibrahim Saad was a dedicated public servant and a true friend. His contributions to Penang and Malaysia will always be remembered. I will miss him dearly.

FAQs

Q: What was Ibrahim Saad’s role in Penang government?
A: He was an executive councillor in the Penang government under the late Dr Lim Chong Eu.

Q: What was Ibrahim Saad’s role in the 1995 general elections?
A: He won the parliamentary seat of Tasek Gelugor and was named deputy transport minister.

Q: What was Ibrahim Saad’s last role before his passing?
A: He was Malaysia’s ambassador to the Philippines.