Kelantan Menteri Besar and PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has been warded in the intensive care unit of a Kota Baru hospital following a heart attack early this morning.

His condition was reported to be stable this afternoon although he was 'critical' upon his admission.

The menteri besar's political secretary Anual Bakhri Haron told malaysiakini that Nik Aziz complained of chest pain at about 4am and was sent to the Perdana specialist hospital at about 6.30am.

Doctors later diagnosed him as suffering from a heart attack and high blood pressure. This is the first time that the 73-year-old politician has suffered from a heart problem. He has been suffering from gastritis for years.

Anual said Nik Aziz - or affectionately known as Tok Guru - is conscious but weak and is on oxygen to facilitate his breathing.

"Doctors have advised him not to talk although he can do so," he said when contacted.

Wife, children at bedside

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and vice-president Mustafa Ali rushed to the hospital from Terengganu upon being informed of Nik Aziz's condition.

His wife and children are also at his bedside.

One of the menteri besar's 10 children, Nik Adli, who is held under the Internal Security Act at the Kamunting detention centre has been granted permission to visit his father.

Contacted later, Kelantan state executive councillor Husam Musa confirmed that Nik Adil has been given the green light by the centre's authorities after a written request was submitted.

He said Nik Adli was expected to arrive in Kota Baru later in the day.

Elaborating on Nik Aziz's condition, he said the menteri besar has been advised to undergo surgery once his condition is stable.

"Once Tok Guru's condition stabilised, he would have to go for a coronary bypass and the possibility of recovery is very high."

"We will prepare the best treatment for Tok Guru," Husam said, adding that doctors from the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur could be brought in for the surgery.

Husam urged PAS supporters to remain calm and pray for Nik Aziz's recovery. Party members and supporters have began flooding the hospital upon hearing of Tok Guru's illness.

Best treatment

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who is on a working visit in France sent his best wishes to Nik Aziz upon learning of his hospitalisation, He said he would pray for the politician's speedy recovery.

"I hope the hospital will provide the best treatment to Nik Aziz," he told Bernama from Paris.

In an interview with malaysiakini two weeks ago, Nik Aziz appeared energetic and dismissed the notion that he was medically unfit.