PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has passed the critical first 24 hours after his heart surgery and is recovering well.

The 69-year-old underwent a scheduled three-hour surgery to replace a leaking heart valve at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur yesterday morning. 

"One of the first things he mentioned to me last night when he could speak is to thank those who prayed for his health," said his political secretary Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar. 

"This morning, he appeared cheerful and has started eating soft food," said Ahmad Samsuri. 

He also urged all to pray for Hadi's recovery and advised that only immediate family members visit  him, so he could rest. 

Earlier DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang wished the Marang MP a speedy recovery. 

Hadi's health has been a cause for concern after he missed key events and was frequently absent during Dewan Rakyat proceedings. 

According to IJN, symptoms of his leaking heart valve was affecting his daily activities.

The surgery was conducted by a panel of doctors led by IJN CEO and senior cardiothorasic surgeon Dr Mohd Azhari Yakub.