PETALING JAYA: Former minister and corporate turnaround specialist Datuk Seri Idris Jala has been diagnosed with Stage IIIC (3C) lung cancer after doctors found a tennis ball-sized mass in his left lung.
He disclosed the diagnosis on ‘The Game of Impossible’, the podcast he hosts with his son Leon Jala on YouTube, on Friday (July 24).
Idris said he had experienced intermittent cough and fatigue since last year, but disregarded the symptoms until the cough became persistent.
At his wife’s insistence, he consulted a pulmonary specialist at Sunway Medical Centre, expecting a routine examination.
An X-ray prompted the doctor to order an immediate CT scan, which revealed the mass in his left lung, possible involvement of the lymph nodes and a smaller mass on the right side.
A biopsy later confirmed the diagnosis.
“It was a real shock to me because I never expected that this would happen,” Idris said.
He added that he stopped smoking about 30 years ago and had not touched a cigarette or cigar since.
Doctors have ruled out surgery due to the cancer’s advanced stage.
Idris will instead undergo a PET-CT scan, brain scan, blood tests and genetic testing to determine whether the cancer has spread and the most suitable treatment.
Options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
“It’s going to be tough, but I’m ready for the fight,” Idris said, adding that his Christian faith gave him hope despite the difficult journey ahead.
He explained recent leadership changes at his consultancy and investment group, Pemandu Associates, allowed him to focus fully on his recovery.
Idris also retired as Sunway Bhd’s independent non-executive co-chairman on June 30 after completing a nine-year tenure on its board.
The diagnosis came as a shock to the family, who gathered for a prayer meeting while awaiting the biopsy results.
“I don’t sugarcoat these things. I want to make sure that we speak about them exactly as they are.
“I do believe there is always light at the end of the tunnel,” Idris said.
Meanwhile, on the topic of the podcast, Idris said it would be his last episode before taking a break from the show and other public engagements.
Leon said the podcast, whose first episode was released on YouTube two years ago, would return in a new format after a short pause.
“This is not the end. This is simply a break for my dad,” he said.
The announcement was made in Episode 111, titled “Your Test Can Be Your Testimony”.
Idris Jala, who was born and raised in Bario in the Kelabit Highlands, previously served as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, headed the Performance Management and Delivery Unit and was chief executive officer of Malaysia Airlines.
He is also the chairman and president of Pemandu Associates, among other senior leadership roles.
