INTERVIEW | Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is optimistic about his recovery from pancreatic cancer once he completes the full course of treatment.

In an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini today, Muhyiddin said an operation to remove the tumour on July 12 was a success and he now has to complete 12 chemotherapy cycles as part of the full treatment regimen.

"I am fine, still undergoing chemotherapy. This process requires me to undergo 12 chemotherapy sessions in six months.

"During chemotherapy, we cannot expect to know how our bodies would react. I have just undergone the first (round of) treatment, and the doctor said there would be ups and downs. Recently, I had to be admitted to hospital again for five days because it was difficult for me to walk, make ablutions ... It was hard for me to move.

"But today, alhamdulillah, I am feeling slightly better. Although many specialists have said that, in cases like these, it would take a long time to recover and even after recovery, there is a need for continuous monitoring. I am hopeful to see my health improve after I complete the 12 cycles," he said when met at his residence in Bukit Damansara.

Although he was looking a bit weak, the Bersatu president, who was clad in a red baju Melayu, appeared to be in a good mood when speaking about his health, as he jokingly described his thinner legs as looking like ikan parang.

He said he had lost about nine kilograms since he started the treatment.

During the interview – which is the first time he has spoken to the media since his operation – Muhyiddin said he was grateful that the cancer was detected in its first stage.

"This is a challenge that I have to face. I need to stay strong, and try to eat more despite losing my appetite. Because when the treatment started, my appetite changed ... everything tastes bitter.

"So I lost weight but I have to stay strong to recover my health, to return to work and complete my tasks, also to rest and spend time with my grandchildren and family.

"I am still young, and I have some more time," he said.

It was reported that Muhyiddin was on medical leave in July after a growth was detected in his pancreas.

Following this, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has taken temporary charge as the home minister.

This interview was jointly conducted by Haris Mohd, Al-Abror Mohd Yusuf, Norman Goh, and Mauricia Grace.

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