The news was released yesterday in a statement signed by Malta Labour Party secretary general Jason Micallef.

The team performing the operation is expected to issue a medical bulletin following the surgery, the statement said.

President Eddie Fenech Adami yesterday afternoon called Dr Sant to wish him a quick recovery.

In a letter, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, on his family’s behalf and on behalf of the government, expressed his solidarity and hoped he will get well soon.

Nationalist Party secretary general Joe Saliba and Alternattiva Demokratika secretary general Victor Galea both issued short statements in which they wished, on behalf of the party they represent, a quick recovery for Dr Sant. The MLP National Executive and Parliamentary Group also issued a statement expressing their solidarity.

Dr Sant, 59, last appeared in public on Saturday when he delivered a speech during the annual Milied Flimkien fund-raising campaign in Valletta.

The Labour Party has also postponed its Christmas reception, which was planned for today.