Three weeks of rest at home, 'obediently disconnected from email network' Khaw apologized for being 'out of action' in his blog entry.

HEALTH Minister Khaw Boon Wan, who underwent a successful Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) on May 4, on the blog, recounts the CABG operation and his recovery process.

He also conveys his appreciation to well-wishers and colleagues for their support, via 'Facebook, letters, cards, fruit baskets and SMSes'.

'You have touched my heart intimately. Suffering, I am, through this trauma, but it has also been an enriching time, filled with love, friendship, human kindness and compassion,' Mr. Khaw writes.

He also jokes about fellow minister Ng Eng Hen instructing Mr. Khaw's wife to 'lock up (his) PC and notebook', stating that 'as a surgeon he knew how messy pointless post-surgical complications could be'.

Mr. Khaw ends the blog post by promising to reconnect to 'the outside world', by posting updates on his Facebook page. Well-wishers can find the blog post at mohsingapore. blogspot. com /2010/05/ many - touched - my - heart - some - literally . html

After a topical routine medical checkup revealed that he had an abnormal stress electrocardiogram, Mr. Khaw got himself operated. The tests further revealed that one of his chief heart arteries had narrowed 'significantly'.

His responsibilities are being covered by Transport Minister Raymond Lim during his recovery period.