Tun Ghafar Baba's family members plan to celebrate the former deputy premier's 81st birthday on Saturday, at the Intan Gleneagles Medical Centre, in Kuala Lumpur.

His eldest son, Tamrin told Bernama today that the function was being held at his father's request.

"He made the request when he was conscious, which is on and off. He remembered his birthday, and he asked us to invite his friends on that day," Tamrin said.

He said medical experts who were monitoring Ghafar's health did not object to the plan.

"We will have the celebration at his bedside, at the Intensive Car Unit at 10.30 am," he said, adding that the media were also invited to cover the event.

MCA boys will attend

Asked on the invited guests, Tamrin said besides family members, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Najib Tun Razak had also been informed about the function.

"Usually, the MCA ministers had never failed to attend his birthday every year, so we expect they will also come this time," he said.

Ghafar was admitted to the medical centre since mid-January after an asthma attack.