Opposition Leader and PAS president Fadzil Mohd Noor's condition has been described as "clinically improving" and "stable" though he has yet to fully regain consciousness after his coronary by-pass surgery last Monday.

Zulkifli Sulong, editor of the party organ, Harakah , told malaysiakini about Fadzil's condition but offered no further details.

Fadzil, 65, who is also the Pendang MP, is still being closely monitored by specialists at the Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur where he underwent the five-hour surgery.

Official statement

An HUKM spokesperson told malaysiakini that the hospital would issue an official statement on Fadzil's condition tomorrow.

PAS vice-president Mustafa Ali and secretary-general Nasharudin Mat Isa who have just returned from overseas, were among party leaders who visited the parliamentary opposition leader today.

Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi visited Fadzil yesterday but did not answer questions on Fadzil's health condition except to wish he would fully recover from the operation.

However, Deputy Home Minister Zainal Abidin Zin who visited with Abdullah described Fadzil's condition as "critical".

According to a source, PAS deputy president Hadi Awang who has assumed Fadzil's duties, cancelled an official visit to the United States yesterday due to Fadzil's condition.

Fadzil's political secretary Dr Hatta Ramli said Hadi will visit the party president again tomorrow.