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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has conveyed Malaysia’s deepest condolences to the Qatari leadership and people following the passing of former Qatar emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, describing him as a visionary leader who transformed the country’s global standing.
Anwar said Malaysia mourned the loss of the former emir, who died at the age of 74, while extending sympathies to Qatar’s current ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari Royal Family and the people of the Gulf nation.
"On behalf of Malaysia, I extend my deepest condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari Royal Family, and the people of the State of Qatar on the passing of His Highness the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani," Anwar said.
He described Sheikh Hamad’s 18-year reign as a period of significant transformation that elevated Qatar into a nation of global importance.
"During his 18 years as Amir, Sheikh Hamad transformed Qatar into a nation of global significance. Under his leadership, Qatar achieved remarkable economic progress and emerged as an influential voice in regional and international affairs," he said.
Anwar also praised Sheikh Hamad’s decision in 2013 to voluntarily transfer leadership to his son, Sheikh Tamim, describing it as an exceptional act of statesmanship.
"His decision in 2013 to entrust the leadership of the nation to a new generation was a rare act of statesmanship," he said.
"The Father Amir was a steadfast friend of Malaysia and a respected figure across the Muslim world."
Sheikh Hamad’s death was announced by Qatar’s Amiri Diwan, which did not disclose the cause of death.
The former emir was widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar after seizing power in a bloodless coup in 1995 and overseeing a rapid transformation of the small Gulf state’s economy, international influence and diplomatic ambitions.
During his rule, Sheikh Hamad spearheaded the development of Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, turning the country into one of the world’s largest exporters of natural gas and laying the foundation for its vast economic wealth.
He also established Al Jazeera, the influential Arab media network that expanded Qatar’s voice across the region and beyond, while overseeing the successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which accelerated major infrastructure development in Doha.
In foreign affairs, Sheikh Hamad positioned Qatar as a key regional mediator, maintaining relations with major powers including the United States and Iran while playing a role in negotiations involving conflicts in Lebanon, Yemen, Darfur and Gaza.
His leadership also attracted controversy, particularly during the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings, when Qatar’s support for political movements across the region drew criticism from some Gulf neighbours.
Sheikh Hamad stepped down in 2013 in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim, saying he wanted to allow a younger generation with "innovative ideas and active energies" to lead the country.
Anwar concluded his message by praying for divine mercy upon Sheikh Hamad and offering strength and comfort to the Qatari Royal Family and citizens.
"May Allah SWT bless his soul and grant strength and comfort to the Royal Family and people of Qatar in this time of grief. Al-Fatihah." - July 12, 2026
