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...