KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's daughter took to social media to explain about her father's apparent difference in his facial features which had many people talking.
Datuk Nurulhidayah said her father needed eye surgery to fix his obstructed vision.
"(My father's) optic nerve interfered with his vision and there was a need for surgery.
"As you age, the nerves become more slack and it impairs vision," she wrote on Instagram.
She said that her son, Louie also has a health issue with his eyes.
"I don't know if this 'lazy eye' is hereditary because I am no expert.
"My son Louie also has the same eyes as his Grandpa. His optic nerve needs surgery, but he still can see, so it will be done later," she said refering to her son.
She defended her father's need to have surgery because as a politician, her father has a lot of tasks and responsibilities and health issues must be addressed quickly for the sake of his health.
"To me, Abah must do something (the eye operation) before it harms him.
"As a politician he has many responsibilities, which are entrusted by Allah. (Responsibilities) cannot be taken lightly."
Zahid, who is deputy prime minister and Umno president, recently attracted curiousity over his noticeable transformation in facial appearance. (https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/07/927430/umno-presidents-double...)
Photos showcasing Zahid with noticeable swelling around his eyes quickly spread across social media platforms.
The rural and regional development minister had also been seen wearing sunglasses at recent events he attended.