Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim joined funeral prayers for Royal Professor Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas, honouring the late Islamic thinker’s profound legacy.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim paid his last respects and joined hundreds of mourners in performing the funeral prayers for Royal Professor Tan Sri Dr Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas today.
The Prime Minister arrived at Masjid al-Taqwa in Taman Tun Dr Ismail at 11.25 am, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and several other ministers.
The funeral prayers were led by the late scholar’s son, Datuk Dr Syed Ali Tawfik Al-Attas.
Also present were Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and Anwar’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Speaking to reporters, Anwar recalled personally knowing and collaborating with Syed Muhammad Naquib on several scholarly works during his time leading the Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia.
He noted they worked together to publish seminal works such as ‘Islam and Secularism’ and ‘Islam Dalam Sejarah Kebudayaan Melayu’.
Anwar stated that the scholar’s contributions were invaluable, adding that they took him across Malaysia to share his knowledge during the ABIM era.
The Prime Minister said Syed Muhammad Naquib later continued to make significant contributions at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, the International Islamic University of Malaysia, and the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation.
He described the passing of the 94-year-old thinker as a profound loss for the nation and the world.
Anwar also revealed that the government had received hundreds of condolence messages from leaders and academics abroad, including from Turkey, Iraq, and Pakistan.
He highlighted that the title of Royal Professor, bestowed by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim in October 2024, recognised Syed Muhammad Naquib’s outstanding contributions to Islamic education in Malaysia.
Only one other scholar, the late Royal Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid, has received this honour, which was awarded in 1978.
Born in Bogor, Indonesia, Syed Muhammad Naquib passed away at 6.47 pm yesterday.
He is survived by his wife Latifah Abdullah and four children.
He was later laid to rest at the Bukit Kiara Muslim cemetery.
