Anwar’s presence was at the invitation of the groom’s late mother, Sabariah Darus, 54, an old friend of Anwar’s who died yesterday morning of kidney failure.

Anwar and Wan Azizah arrived at the wedding reception at 4.20pm and met Farhan Mohd Noor, 29, and his wife, Nurul Fateinul Ain Mazlan, 26.

They spent about 20 minutes mingling with family members of the couple and guests. They also entertained their requests for photographs.

Speaking to reporters, Farhan said he did not expect to see the prime minister and his wife at the ceremony.

“I didn’t expect this at all because my mother passed away at 6.40am yesterday due to kidney failure. My family and I are still grieving.

“However, the presence of the prime minister and his wife has brought cheer to all of us. I really cannot believe that he would come here to congratulate us,” he said.

Farhan and Nurul tied the knot in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, on April 29 without the presence of Sabariah, who was then being treated in hospital.