The Malaysian Chess Federation extends its deepest condolences to the family of Ibrahim Abu Bakar on his passing early Wednesday evening. Ibrahim is one of the more significant and well-known chess officials who had served as the Deputy President of the Malaysian Chess Federation throughout the 80’s, 90’s, and 2000’s.
Aside from his involvement in chess management, many also knew Ibrahim as the father of two Women National Masters – Eliza Hanum and her younger sister Eliza Hanim, both of whom dominated the women’s chess scene in the earlier part and middle of the 1990’s. While Ibrahim may not be as good a chess player as her two daughters, he prefers to match wits over the 12×12 ‘dam haji’.
Ibrahim Abu Bakar will be missed for his dedication, contribution, and passion in helping and promoting chess in Malaysia. While he may not be as active in chess as he was before 2017, he continues to keep in touch with the community, especially with the older generation of chess players and officials. Many continue to pay house visits despite him no longer holding an active post in the Federation, nor making appearances at chess events. His daughter, Eliza Hanim Ibrahim, continues his legacy as a committee member of the Malaysian Chess Federation since 2019.
Thank you, Ibrahim Abu Bakar, for all the years you have given and dedicated to chess. You will definitely be missed.
Al Fatihah
