Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has returned home after undergoing surgery for a para-umbilical hernia, state media reported Thursday.

Anwar shared a photograph of himself on Facebook reading a book, accompanied by the caption, “Alhamdulillah, back home,” signalling that he had been discharged from hospital and was recovering at home.

The 78-year-old premier underwent an elective laparoscopic procedure on Monday. The surgery was performed to treat a para-umbilical hernia, a condition involving tissue protruding through a weakened area near the navel.

According to Malaysia’s state-run Bernama news agency, Anwar’s procedure was successful and he remained under close observation by a team of medical specialists following the operation.

His return home comes after several days of medical monitoring, with authorities yet to indicate when he will fully resume his regular schedule.

Anwar, who has led Malaysia since November 2022, has continued to maintain an active public schedule despite periodic health-related concerns. His latest update appears to reassure the public that his recovery is progressing normally.

The Malaysian prime minister’s health is closely watched in the region given his role in Southeast Asian diplomacy and Malaysia’s position as a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

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