Ahmad Bashah underwent the five-hour operation on Monday at the Penang general hospital. “There is no cancer,” said Deputy Health Minister Dr Hilmi Yahaya, quoted by Star Online.

“He is conscious and was able to speak to me earlier. He is progressing well, and is allowed to take liquids. He needs at least a week before he is discharged. He should be able to go home in about seven to 10 days,” Dr Hilmi said after visiting Ahmad Bashah.

The menteri besar was taken to hospital in Alor Setar last week after complaining of dizziness while attending a party meeting of helpers in the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary by-election. He was later sent to Penang for surgery.

Ahmad Bashah became menteri besar in February, after resigning as deputy minister in the federal cabinet, taking over when Kedah Umno withdrew support from Jerlun assemblyman Mukhriz Mahathir, who has held the post since 2013.