PUBLISHED ONAugust 11, 2026 2:10 PMBYSean LerMalaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's condition is improving after undergoing an elective laparoscopic surgery to treat a para-umbilical hernia a day earlier, the Prime Minister's Office said on Tuesday (Aug 11).
The condition is a type of abdominal wall bulge that occurs through a weak spot in the muscles around the belly button.
In the statement issued on Tuesday morning, Anwar's press secretary Nashrul Abaidah also conveyed the prime minister's thanks to those who prayed for his health and well-being, and for the well-wishes received on his 79th birthday on Monday.
"The Prime Minister's health condition is improving and he will continue to undergo physiotherapy treatment under the supervision of a team of medical experts," added Nashrul, mirroring a statement issued by the head of Anwar's medical team on Monday.
In the statement, Anwar, Malaysia's 10th prime minister, also apologised for being unable to attend a special sitting of Parliament to debate a royal commission of inquiry report on the country's Muslim pilgrims' fund Lembaga Tabung Haji.
But he pledged to follow the debate closely to ensure that trust in the institution will continue to be maintained.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday afternoon, Anwar thanked Malaysia King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and the Queen for their blessings and well-wishes on his birthday, as well as their prayers for his recovery and well-being.
In the evening, Anwar shared a photo of his wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, by his side in the hospital ward.
He captioned the post simply: "Companion in every situation. Thank you, Azizah, for always being there (for me)."
Married in February 1980, they have six children.
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