Malaysia PM Anwar undergoes hernia surgery

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has successfully completed an elective laparoscopic surgery to treat a para-umbilical hernia, according to his medical team.

The condition is a type of abdominal wall bulge that occurs through a weak spot in the muscles around the belly button. 

"He ​is currently undergoing physiotherapy treatment ​and is under the supervision of a ⁠team of medical experts to ensure ​that the recovery process is going ​well", the head of Anwar's medical team, Sri Ranga Abdullah Ramaiah, said in a Monday (Aug 10) statement.

In an earlier statement by the Malaysia Prime Minister's Office, Anwar's press secretary Nashrul Abaidah said the prime minister is undergoing medical examination.

While the statement did not say why Anwar is undergoing tests, or the nature of the checks, it called on Malaysians to pray for his wellbeing. 

Nashrul added that Anwar is expected to be under observation for two days.

Anwar has not commented on his health, although he reposted the statement on his social media.

His last social media post was published on Aug 7.

Malaysia's 10th prime minister turned 79 on Monday and has been in office since 2022.

He is known to have recurrent back and shoulder problems.

In 2018, he was hospitalised for these ailments.

Last November, the prime minister cancelled a trip to Pahang due to back pain.

Anwar recently underwent a routine medical examination in January where he was given a clean bill of health, according to a hospital statement then. 

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editor@asiaone.com