PAS spiritual leader and Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat underwent follow-up treatment at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur after his arrival from Kota Baru this morning.

Upon arrival, Nik Aziz, who suffered a heart attack last Thursday, was taken to a ward on the fifth floor where family members and PAS leaders, including central committee member Mahfuz Omar were gathered.

According to Bernama , Mahfuz told reporters later that Nik Aziz looked well and "could carry on a banter and walk."

IJN cardiologist Dr Rosli Mohamed Ali, who led a team of IJN cardiologists to perform a coronary angioplasty on Niz Aziz at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM) in Kota Baru attended to him.

Earlier, Nik Aziz flew from the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Baharu on a Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight accompanied by his wife, Tuan Sabariah Tuan Ishak, two HUSM cardiologists, Associate Prof Dr Zurkurnai Yusof and Dr Mohamed Sapawi Mohamed and a nurse.

HUSM Director Dr Mafauzy Mohamad said the 73-year-old PAS leader was expected to undergo a similar surgical procedure at the IJN tomorrow.

The procedure, to be performed by Dr Rosli, is to widen the bore of a narrowed artery on his left, which was still in critical condition.

The earlier coronary angioplasty was performed on Nik Aziz to widen the bore of a narrowed artery on his right, the main cause of his heart attack.

Strong chance

When met by reporters on leaving HUSM, Nik Aziz said he was confident that he would recover following the operation.

"If the first (coronary angioplasty) has been successful...this second one isn't so critical. God willing, there's a strong chance it will be successful," he added.

The menteri besar also said he was touched by the best wishes and kind thoughts Malaysians, irrespective of race and religion, who prayed for his recovery.

He had previously also extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for praying for his recovery and allowing the former's son, Nik Adli, to visit him.

Nik Adli is being held under the Internal Security Act for being an alleged member of the Malaysian Mujahiddin Group (KMM).

Nik Aziz had also thanked Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak for visiting him.