Kelantan Menteri Besar and PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat underwent an angioplasty procedure today and is expected to be transferred out of the intensive care unit over the next few days.

The one-hour long procedure at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kubang Kerian was performed by a team of doctors, including four from the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur.

The procedure was supervised by Perdana specialist hospital medical director Dr Mahmud Awang Kechik. Nik Aziz was initially warded at the Perdana hospital after suffering a heart attack early yesterday.

When contacted, Mahmud said the 73-year-old politician may be transferred out from the intensive care unit to a normal ward over the next few days.

"His heart beat and blood pressure is normal now. He could be removed from the ICU in a couple of days," said the doctor, adding that Nik Aziz is not hooked to a ventilator.

Temporary measure

Angioplasty is the surgical repair of a blood vessel, either by inserting a balloon-tipped catheter to unblock it, or by reconstructing or replacing part of the vessel.

According to Mahmud, a stent is implanted to keep the artery open and prevent the regrowth of the plaque (the blockage).

Asked on whether a coronary bypass surgery was still needed, the doctor said it would depend on the menteri besar's condition.

"Angioplasty is a temporary measure, we would have to observe his situation further," he added.

Hundreds of supporters and well wishers made a beeline at the hospital. Among the prominent figures who visited the ailing leader were the Raja Perempuan Kelantan, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mustapa Mohamad, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and vice-president Mustafa Ali.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is scheduled to visit him this afternoon.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who is on a working visit to France said he would pray for Nik Aziz's speedy recovery.

The PAS leader's son, Nik Adli, visited his father at about 11.45pm yesterday amid tight security. Nik Adli is being held under the Internal Security Act for being an alleged member of the Malaysian Mujahiddin Group.