President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami this morning was taken to Mater Dei Hospital, complaining of chest pains. He was admitted at about 9am.

He later suffered a heart attack, and underwent surgery. Dr Fenech Adami, 79, had heart problems in the past and has a pacemaker.

In a statement issued at 4pm, the Health Ministry said that Dr Fenech Adami was admitted to Mater Dei this morning with chest discomfort. He was admitted under the care of the Cardiology Team and underwent a coronary angiogram.

A decision for medical treatment was taken.

He is now recovering in the critical coronary care unit where his condition is reported as being stable, the statement said.

In a statement issued at 6.20pm, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat wished Dr Fenech Adami a speedy recovery. "His work is testimony to the civic and national sense of a person whose contribution to the country was enormous," he said.

At this moment in time, "our thoughts are with the Fenech Adami family," the PM said.

An hour later, the Nationalist Party also issued a statement wishing Dr Fenech Adami na speedy recovery.