Jerusalem ? After a sudden health scare, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said Friday he planned to name a deputy, raising the touchy issue of succession just five months into his tenure.

The announcement by the 70-year-old leader, who has a history of health troubles, appeared to be aimed at grooming an heir – something his predecessor, Yasser Arafat, fiercely resisted during a four-decade reign. But some speculated Abbas simply may be trying to neutralize his political rivals by creating a symbolic post.

Abbas checked into a hospital in neighboring Jordan on Wednesday after complaining of fatigue. Doctors said he underwent an angiogram, a procedure to check coronary arteries for blockage.

While Abbas said he felt fine after the procedure, his sudden hospitalization raised new concerns about his health and the lack of preparations should he become incapacitated. Abbas is a survivor of prostate cancer and has undergone eye surgery.

Returning to the West Bank on Friday, Abbas said naming a deputy was “very important” and he planned to discuss it with his Cabinet and the legislature. He did not say whom he had in mind for the job.

Candidates for the post would likely include the prime minister, Ahmed Qureia, who is frequently at odds with Abbas; Foreign Minister Nasser al-Kidwa, Arafat’s nephew and longtime U.N. ambassador who is respected at home and abroad; and Marwan Barghouti, an uprising leader jailed by Israel.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who returned to the West Bank after undergoing a coronary procedure in Jordan, expressed willingness Friday to appoint a deputy and potential successor. Abbas' comments reflected a degree of concern - his own and others' - about the 70-year-old leader's health.

Information Minister Nabil Shaath said Abbas wanted someone to share responsibilities with and to stand in for him when he is abroad.

Abbas was hospitalized at the end of a nearly monthlong trip to South America, Asia and Washington. During his absence, a 4-month-old cease-fire with Israel nearly broke down.

Shaath said the longer-term future of the Palestinians also was a concern for Abbas.

“He is now 70, and as he himself has said, souls are in the hands of God,” Shaath said.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon called Abbas on Friday to wish him good health, Sharon’s office said. The two leaders are to meet June 21 to discuss implementation of their Feb. 8 truce agreement, including the promised handover of more West Bank towns to Palestinian control.

Although Sharon has criticized Abbas for not being tough enough against militant groups, he says he wants to work with the Palestinian leader, who has been an outspoken critic of violence. Sharon had refused to deal with Arafat.