Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim set for hospital discharge after successful hernia surgery recovery

Discharge anticipated on Wednesday after his hospital stay, with Wan Azizah Wan Ismail confirming the update; state news agency Bernama reported via Reuters.
Wan Azizah attended the Semarak Merdeka programme marking the 2026 National Month at the Bandar Tun Razak branch of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), where she spoke to reporters.
PMX sends his regards and thanks to everyone who prayed for his health and recovery.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to leave the hospital on Wednesday after undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery to remove a para-umbilical hernia, according to Reuters. The 79-year-old leader had the minimally invasive procedure on Monday and has been recovering since.
His wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, confirmed the news to reporters. She said Anwar sends "his regards and thanks to everyone who prayed for his health and recovery."
Wan Azizah broke the news while attending the Semarak Merdeka programme in Kuala Lumpur. The event marked the 2026 National Month at the Bandar Tun Razak branch of Kuala Lumpur City Hall, known as DBKL. She spoke briefly to reporters on the sidelines of the ceremony, Reuters reported.
She thanked supporters for their prayers and well wishes during the PM's hospital stay. Her appearance at the national event signalled that official duties are continuing smoothly during Anwar's brief recovery.
A para-umbilical hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot near the belly button. It can cause pain and, if left untreated, may become a serious medical risk. Doctors typically recommend surgery to fix it.
Anwar's procedure was laparoscopic — meaning surgeons used small incisions and a tiny camera rather than open surgery. This method usually means a faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay, which explains why discharge was expected within two days of the operation.
State news agency Bernama, cited by Reuters, confirmed that Anwar is expected to be discharged Wednesday. His recovery comes just as Malaysia enters its National Month period, which features a busy calendar of public events and ceremonies.
The timing of the elective surgery — planned in advance rather than as an emergency — suggests Anwar's team carefully scheduled it to minimise disruption. With a two-day hospital stay, he is expected to return to duties with little delay.
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