Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak is undergoing treatment for a recurring stomach-related ailment, his daughter Nooryana Najwa said today.
Taking to Instagram, Nooryana, who’s better known as Yana, said that her father is “highly prone” to stomach ulcers that flare up under stress or an episode of gastritis.
“The last time his ulcers bled (last year), he was unaware of his condition until he felt very faint due to internal bleeding, and was admitted quietly (sic) to hospital for a week.
“Back in 2010, he was similarly admitted to hospital to treat bleeding stomach ulcers and spent three days there,” she wrote.
According to Yana, her father is the type of person who would not complain or seek help from others when he’s unwell, fearing it would inconvenience others.
“By the time he shows symptoms, it is usually too late. Both episodes in the past, we caught it too late and thus, required serious medical intervention, including blood transfusion,” she said.
Yana further expressed hope that Najib will be accorded thorough examination and treatment.
Meanwhile, Najib’s lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said Najib was taken to Kuala Lumpur Hospital for a check-up yesterday.
He said that Najib was examined at the hospital the whole day yesterday but was not admitted overnight.
He added that Najib was sent back to Kajang Prison after he was provided with medicine, with some test results expected soon.
He told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur court complex this afternoon that Najib was in a stable condition and was able to attend his court case after being treated by doctors.
“A couple of months ago, he had internal bleeding caused by an ulcer. His haemoglobin went down to 4.7, when your normal rate is 16. So, the doctor said that was a situation where you could have got a stroke, because of the low haemoglobin level and bleeding without him knowing.
“Last night was one such incident affecting his stomach, that’s why they sent him for a total check-up,” the lawyer said.
“The whole day he was there, they put him in a room, so all the tests were run.
“They gave him medication, meaning there is a problem but he is okay,” said Shafee, adding that it would be up to the doctors if Najib has to return to hospital.
Najib was present in court today for his 1MDB) trial.
Clad in a dark suit, he was flanked by prison guards as he was brought to the Kuala Lumpur High Court.
Shafee also confirmed that a petition for pardon had been filed on behalf of Najib last Friday in relation to the latter’s SRC International conviction.
He however did not divulge anything further about the matter.