Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended Malaysia's deepest condolences to Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari royal family, and the people of Qatar following the passing of the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. In a Facebook post today, Anwar paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad for transforming Qatar into a nation of global significance during his 18-year reign as Amir.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted the remarkable economic progress achieved by Qatar under Sheikh Hamad's leadership, noting its emergence as an influential voice in regional and international affairs. Anwar praised Sheikh Hamad's decision in 2013 to pass the leadership to a new generation, describing it as a rare act of statesmanship.

Anwar described the Father Amir as a steadfast friend of Malaysia and a respected figure across the Muslim world. He expressed his prayers for Sheikh Hamad's soul and conveyed wishes for strength and comfort to the royal family and the people of Qatar during their time of grief, ending his message with "Al-Fatihah."

The Qatar's Amiri Diwan announced that Sheikh Hamad passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 74. Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he handed over power to his son, Sheikh Tamim.