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Medical observation in Kuala Lumpur
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is undergoing medical tests and procedures and was expected to be under observation for two days, his aide said on Monday in Kuala Lumpur.
“expected to be under observation for two days”
Press Secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said Anwar was "undergoing examinations and procedures set by a team of medical experts" without providing further details.
The Reuters report said Anwar, who turned 79 on Monday and has been in office since 2022, has had recurrent shoulder and back problems.
Reuters added that Anwar was hospitalised in 2018 for shoulder and back pain and had cancelled a trip to Pahang state in November due to back pain.
Prayers from Malaysia and Pakistan
The aide’s statement appealed for prayers, saying "Let us pray... that he is blessed with long-lasting health so that he can return to his usual duties in the near future," according to Reuters.
In a separate post on X, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wished Anwar a swift recovery, writing: "Wishing my dear brother, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, a swift and smooth recovery during his medical procedures," as quoted by Dawn.
Dawn also reported that Shehbaz Sharif said: "The people of Pakistan join me in praying for his continued good health and well-being," tying the message to Pakistan’s prayers.
The Business Standard similarly carried the same aide statement about Anwar’s medical procedures and the expected two-day observation period.
Past health issues and next updates
Reuters said Anwar had been issued a clean bill of health in January after undergoing a routine medical examination, according to a hospital statement.
“expected to be under observation for two days”
The reports also recalled that last November he cancelled a trip to Pahang state due to back pain, placing the latest observation in the context of recurrent shoulder and back problems.
Dawn reported that Anwar’s aide did not provide details about the nature of the medical procedures or the condition that prompted them, while Reuters said no further details were given.
Minute Mirror added that the latest announcement did not indicate Anwar was facing any serious health condition and said officials had not provided details on when he would leave medical care or resume his full schedule.