KUALA LUMPUR, 19 Feb 2009: Artist Datuk Ibrahim Hussein, 72, died of a heart attack at the Pantai Medical Center, Bangsar at 4.30am today .
He leaves behind wife Datin Sim Hussein and a daughter, Alia Ibrahim Hussein.
Among those who were at his house at Lorong Bukit Pantai here to pay their last respects were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, former Kedah Menteri Besar Tan Sri Sanusi Junid, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad and Bank Negara Governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz.
Ibrahim, born on 13 March 1936 in Yan, Kedah, was the younger brother of literary giants Datuk Abdullah Hussein and Tan Sri Ismail Hussein.
“He was a very dedicated person. Although, not brilliant academically, his interest in painting made him a well-respected man,” said Abdullah.
He said Ibrahim had shown his talent in painting since primary school days, after one of his works was published in a magazine.
“I had looked after him since he was young. I said to him, ‘if you’re really serious [about being] an artist, you have to be committed’, which he did by enrolling at the Nanyang Arts Academy in Singapore to study painting,” he added.
Ismail, 77, regarded Ibrahim’s death as a great loss to the family and the country.
“I was shocked when informed of his death. I didn’t know he had any health problems,” he added.
He said he was informed that Ibrahim was admitted to the intensive care unit at the Pantai Medical Centre at 4pm yesterday.
Ibrahim was the fifth of six siblings, comprising two girls and four boys. — Bernama
D Lim says
My condolences to Ibrahim’s family. I remember him…a great artist who liked wearing white!
Waveney Jenkins says
What a loss to Malaysia – Ib was one of the strongest forces in the development of Malaysian painting. His work was so vital and vibrant – but with intense subtlety as indeed was his life and personality. Deepest sympathy to all his family.
Rosli says
Two decades ago I visited his gallery. I told him I was a big fan but could not afford his works. He took one of his paintings off the wall and gave it to me.
sam says
i had the greatest respect for the late Datuk Ibrahim and will miss chatting with him about his experiences, his generous nature, humility and remarkable sense of humour. Deepest sympathy to all his family.