In a moving post on X (formerly Twitter), Anwar expressed his grief over the passing of Singh, who died Thursday. He described the late leader as “the midwife of India’s emergence as one of the world’s economic giants” and affectionately referred to him as “my mitra, my bhai, Manmohan.”
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
Anwar, who was imprisoned from 1999 to 2004, revealed how Singh had extended a remarkable offer during those dark years. Despite his own struggles behind bars, the Indian leader offered to provide scholarships for Anwar’s children, particularly his son, Ihsan. Though Anwar declined the offer, he was deeply moved by the act of kindness.
“Dr Manmohan Singh, slightly awkward as a politician but undeniably upright, steadfast and resolute as a statesman, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come,” Anwar wrote in his tribute.
“To me, he will be all that and much more. Not many people know this, and it is time that I share it with Malaysians: during the years of my incarceration, he extended a kindness that he didn’t have to… He offered scholarships for my children, particularly my son, Ihsan.”
ALSO READ: Sporting fraternity pays its tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh
The Malaysian leader went on to reflect on the humanity and generosity Singh displayed. “Although I had declined the gracious offer, such a gesture undoubtedly showed his extraordinary humanity and generosity, demonstrative, as the Bard would have it, of a man so full of ‘the milk of human kindness,’” Anwar wrote.
In his heartfelt tribute, Anwar also spoke of the personal support Singh provided during his imprisonment. “In those dark days, as I navigated the labyrinth of imprisonment, he stood by me as a true friend. Such acts of quiet magnanimity defined him, and they will remain etched in my heart forever. Goodbye, my mitra, my bhai, Manmohan,” Anwar said.
The Malaysian PM concluded by expressing his deep sense of loss. “The weight of grief bears down on me at the news of the passing of my honoured and cherished friend: Dr Manmohan Singh,” he wrote.
“Obituaries, essays and books aplenty there will surely be about this great man, celebrating him as the architect of India’s economic reforms. As Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh was the midwife of India’s emergence as one of the world’s economic giants.”
Anwar’s tribute highlights not only Singh’s significant political legacy but also his personal kindness and support during a time of adversity.
ALSO READ: Manmohan Singh: A timeline of education, career, and leadership in India
