Rafi Awg Kechik says this explains the Umno president’s recent change in appearance.

Photos of Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s change in appearance have gone viral on social media, with his eyes looking swollen.

PETALING JAYA: The distinct change in the appearance of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is due to a recent double eyelid surgery, says an Umno member.

Rafi Awg Kechik, who was among contenders for a spot in Umno’s Supreme Council during its last party polls, said he noticed Zahid’s face seemed to have “laser marks” when he met the deputy prime minister recently.

He said Zahid told him that he went through a double eyelid surgery on both eyes to remove excess skin that was said to be covering up to 70% of his eyes.

“If the excess skin was not removed, there would have been risk of other complications,” he said in a Facebook post.

Rafi said Zahid had no choice but to undergo the surgery, adding that the effects of the medication had not worn off yet.

Photos of Zahid’s change in appearance had gone viral on social media, with the rural and regional development minister’s eyes seemingly swollen.