Former deputy premier Abdul Ghafar Baba, 80, has been transferred out of the intensive care unit of the Pantai Medical Centre (PMC) in Kuala Lumpur, his daughter, Salmah, said.

"He is weak because of his heart condition and is still unable to speak," she told the New Straits Times yesterday.

Salmah who visited him at the executive ward said Ghafar's condition was improving. "He could breathe on his own and is not assisted by machine."

She said Ghafar needed a lot of rest, therefore, the number of visitors had to be restricted.

The medical centre is expected to issue a statement today on Ghafar's progress, according to the report.

Rumours

Ghafar was transferred to PMC on Oct 12 from the University Malaya Medical Centre, where he was treated for chest pains and swelling in his legs.

Three days later, the veteran politician was reported to be in critical condition after his heart and lungs failed to function independently.

Rumours that he had died were also in circulation last week. However, this was later dismissed by the hospital in a statement.