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.

“Let us pray … that he is blessed with long-lasting health so that he can return to his usual duties in the near future,” Press Secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wished his Malaysian counterpart a speedy recovery.

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

“The people of Pakistan join me in praying for his continued good health and well-being,” he added.

Anwar, who turned 79 on Monday and has been in office since 2022, has 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.