Rafizi undergoes spinal surgery, to resume duties next month

 

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli today disclosed that he had recently undergone spinal surgery and will remain hospitalised for another two weeks.

Rafizi shared his health updates on his X account, revealing a diagnosis of stenosis, a condition characterised by pressure from a slipped disc and ligaments, leading to nerve space compression and narrowing.

“Alhamdulillah, the surgery to open up space for the nerve went well, and I am able to walk again. Thanks to the specialists and staff at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Hospital, UPM (Universiti Putra Malaysia), who treated me.

“Thanks to those who sent messages. I usually don’t share what I consider personal matters, like health issues. But I also know some friends are concerned, so it’s better to share some updates,” he said.

Earlier, a post on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Facebook showing him visiting Rafizi at a hospital raised questions about the Pandan MP’s health. Last October, he had suffered a heart attack.

Elaborating, Rafizi said he contracted Covid-19 for the first time in the third week of January, which left him bedridden for several days, putting pressure on his spine and resulting in a slipped disc.

“The condition worsened after a few weeks, to the point where I could no longer walk and had to use a wheelchair. The pain was excruciating,” he added.

Rafizi also shared his plan to resume the “Yang Bakar Menteri“ podcast in March and expressed readiness to meet with former Umno member Isham Jalil and Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi.

“However, I should first wait for feedback from Prime Minister Anwar and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. I should respect their views to maintain the integrity of the Madani government,” he said.

- Bernama