Malaysia PM Anwar undergoes elective surgery to treat hernia

• Medical team says recovery is going well.
• Physiotherapy treatment is underway.
• Anwar to remain under observation for two days.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has successfully undergone elective laparoscopic surgery to treat a para-umbilical hernia, his medical team said on Monday.

"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 statement.

Earlier on Monday, Anwar's aide said the premier was undergoing medical checks and was expected to be under observation for two days.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wished Anwar a swift recovery, saying the people of Pakistan joined him in praying for the Malaysian prime minister’s continued good health and well-being.

In a post on X, Shehbaz said: "Wishing my dear brother, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, a swift and smooth recovery during his medical procedures."

"May Allah SWT bless him with a speedy return to his duties," he added.

Anwar, who turned 79 on Monday and has been in office since 2022, has previously had recurrent shoulder and back problems.

He was hospitalised in 2018 for shoulder and back pain. Last November, he cancelled a trip to Pahang state due to back pain.

In January, he was issued a clean bill of health after undergoing a routine medical examination, according to a hospital statement.