KUALA LUMPUR: Former federal minister Datuk Seri Idris Jala has revealed that he has been diagnosed with stage three lung cancer after seeking medical attention for a persistent cough and fatigue that lasted several months.
The 67-year-old shared the diagnosis in the latest episode of The Game of Impossible podcast, which he co-hosts with his son, Leon Jala.
“It was a real shock for me because I never expected that would happen to me,” he said.
Idris said he had quit smoking at the age of 30 and has not touched a cigarette or cigar since, making the diagnosis all the more unexpected.
An initial X-ray at Sunway Medical Centre revealed an abnormality in his lung, prompting doctors to conduct a CT scan, which detected a malignant mass in his left lung about the size of a tennis ball. The scan also showed a possible infection in several lymph nodes and a smaller mass on the right side, leading doctors to recommend a biopsy.
“Indeed, it has confirmed that I have malignant cancer at stage 3C,” he said.
Due to the stage of the cancer, surgery has been ruled out as a treatment option. Idris said doctors are considering a combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy as possible treatments.
He will undergo further tests, including a PET-CT scan, brain scan and blood tests, to determine the specific type of cancer, whether it has spread to other parts of his body and the most appropriate treatment plan.
Despite the diagnosis, Idris said he remains focused on what is within his control while placing his faith in God.
“I always believe that 30 per cent of what happens to us is within our control, and that’s what I want to focus on. The rest, you leave to God and divine intervention,” he said.
He also reflected on what he described as a convergence of events leading up to his diagnosis, including stepping down from his roles at Sunway Group and Heineken Malaysia after completing nine-year tenures, as well as leadership transitions at Pemandu Associates.
“I think all of this convergence was not there for nothing. It was the unseen hand of God that led to where it is today,” he said.
Idris announced that the latest episode would be the final one before The Game of Impossible takes a break as he focuses on treatment and recovery.
“I know it’s going to be a very tough journey, but I’m ready for the fight,” he said.
Leon described the diagnosis as a major shock for the family, saying what began as a routine medical appointment unexpectedly led to the discovery of a serious illness.
Widely recognised for leading the turnaround of Malaysia Airlines from 2005 to 2009, Idris was appointed Senator and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in 2009, becoming the first Orang Ulu to serve as a federal minister. He later headed the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu), overseeing the implementation of the National Transformation Programme until 2015.
He subsequently served as president and chairman of Pemandu Associates Sdn Bhd and chairman of Heineken Malaysia, and was named by Bloomberg as one of the world’s 10 most influential policymakers.
