Anwar IbrahimTakiyuddin HassanRadzi JidinJohari AbdulAhmad Zahid HamidiMuhyiddin YassinBersatuPerikatan Nasional

Opposition walks out as speaker refuses to delay special sitting; Anwar Ibrahim recovering from hernia surgery

The Malaysian opposition walked out of a special parliamentary sitting after Speaker Johari Abdul refused to delay proceedings for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is recovering from hernia surgery. Opposition chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan argued Anwar's presence was crucial for the debate, but the Speaker insisted on continuing.

Free Malaysia Today Free Malaysia Today10 August 2026 · 13:16 UTC
CuriousCats Full Story

The Malaysian opposition's walkout from a special parliamentary sitting highlights tensions over Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's absence due to recovery from hernia surgery.1

Opposition chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan emphasized the need for Anwar's presence, stating, “If he’s here, we can debate. But if he’s not here, we might as well just hold a press conference.”2

Despite the opposition's demands, Speaker Johari Abdul insisted on proceeding with the session, citing the presence of deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and other ministers.3

“I have made my decision. Please proceed,” he stated, leading to the walkout by Perikatan Nasional (PN) MPs.4

Interestingly, some MPs from Bersatu, aligned with former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, chose not to join the walkout. Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) remarked, “This is an important issue for the people and there is no need for such political drama.”56

The special sitting was called to discuss the RCI report, but Takiyuddin noted that MPs received the report only that morning, further complicating the situation.

Anwar underwent elective laparoscopic surgery to treat an abdominal hernia, prompting calls from the opposition for a postponement of the sitting until he could attend.

Key Insight
“Takiyuddin Hassan argued Anwar's presence was crucial, saying, "If he's here, we can debate. But if he's not here, we might as well just hold a press conference." Bersatu MPs aligned with Muhyiddin Yassin refused to join the walkout, with Radzi Jidin calling it "political drama."”
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1
Free Malaysia TodayFree Malaysia Today
“Opposition chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) asked for the sitting to be postponed since Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is recovering from surgery, could not attend.”
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Anwar apologises for missing Tabung Haji RCI debate as he recovers under medical care; health improving, will follow debate closely
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has apologised for missing the special sitting to debate the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Tabung Haji as he recovers under medical supervision.

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  • Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has apologised for being unable to attend Tuesday’s (Aug 11) special sitting to debate the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Tabung Haji, as he continues to recover under medical supervision.
  • Anwar’s press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said the Prime Minister’s health was improving and that he would continue receiving treatment under the supervision of a team of medical specialists.
  • Tunku Nashrul said Anwar had also thanked everyone who had prayed for his wellbeing and recovery, as well as those who sent him birthday wishes on the occasion of his 79th birthday on Monday.
  • “He will follow the debate closely to ensure that the mandate of this Islamic institution continues to be safeguarded,” said Tunku Nashrul.
  • Anwar recently celebrated his 79th birthday on August 10, 2026.
  • The sitting, slated to begin at 10am, will allow MPs to scrutinise the 211-page report released publicly on July 29 after the government decided its findings should be disclosed.
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has successfully undergone surgery to treat an abdominal hernia and is now under medical observation by his team of medical specialists.

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  • PM Anwar Ibrahim has successfully undergone surgery for an abdominal hernia.
  • The medical team is currently observing PM Anwar Ibrahim to ensure his recovery.
  • Anwar is currently undergoing physiotherapy and remains under close monitoring by the medical team to ensure a smooth recovery process, as stated by Dr Asri in a statement posted on Anwar’s official Facebook page on Monday (Aug 10).
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has successfully undergone elective laparoscopic surgery to treat an abdominal para umbilical hernia.

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  • Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has successfully undergone elective laparoscopic surgery to treat an abdominal para umbilical hernia, his medical team confirmed today.
  • The procedure was carried out smoothly under the care of specialist doctors.
  • Anwar is currently undergoing physiotherapy and remains under close observation, as confirmed by Datuk Dr Asri Ranga bin Abdullah Ramaiah, head of the Prime Minister’s medical team.
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is currently undergoing medical examinations and procedures prescribed by a team of medical specialists.

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  • Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is currently undergoing medical examinations and procedures prescribed by a team of medical specialists.
  • According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office on Aug 10, Anwar is expected to remain under medical observation for two days.
  • Anwar's aide has urged Malaysians to pray for his smooth recovery, stating, "Let us pray that the Prime Minister's examinations and procedures proceed smoothly and that he is granted lasting good health."
  • Last November, Anwar canceled a trip to Pahang state due to back pain.
  • In January, Anwar was issued a clean bill of health after undergoing a routine medical examination.
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