Malaysia’s ex-PM Mahathir in stable condition, says daughter
- Marina Mahathir says family asks for ‘the people to pray for his speedy and full recovery’ after father has undergone two days of treatment
- The two-time former premier, once the world’s oldest leader, was admitted to the hospital for the third time in just over a month
Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad is in a stable condition after undergoing treatment at the National Heart Institute, his daughter said in a statement on Saturday.
Marina Mahathir said her 96-year-old father had been readmitted to hospital and has undergone two days of treatment following an elective medical procedure in early January.
“Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali (his wife) and family ask for the people to pray for his speedy and full recovery,” Marina said.
The National Heart Institute did not say at the time what procedure Mahathir, who has a history of heart problems, had undergone.
The former Malaysian Prime Minister was hospitalised for the third time in just over a month, his spokesperson said Saturday, sparking concerns over his health.
The two-time former premier, once the world’s oldest leader, has been admitted at the cardiac care unit of the National Heart Institute, said the spokesperson, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case. He said a statement will be issued later Saturday.
Media descended on the hospital as news spread that Mahathir had been admitted again, about a fortnight after he had a procedure at the same facility.
Mahathir underwent an elective medical procedure at the same hospital on January 7 and was discharged six days later. Last month, he was admitted for a “full medical check-up” and observation.
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He has had numerous heart problems over the years, suffering several heart attacks and undergoing coronary bypass surgery.
Mahathir is one of Malaysia’s most dominant political figures and is still robust and sharp witted. He led the opposition to a historic election victory in 2018 that was hailed for ousting a corrupt government in the first peaceful transfer of power since Malaysia’s independence in 1957.
Mahathir became the world’s oldest leader at 92 for a second stint but that triumph lasted only 22 months as his government collapsed due to infighting. But that did not stop him, and Mahathir formed a new ethnic Malay party in 2020 to oppose the new leadership.
The elder statesman has written two memoirs and communicated for a long time via his blog, Chedet.cc – a name taken from a childhood nickname conferred on him by his sisters. The consistently strident body of work had the tag line “Blogging to unblock”.
Mahathir has been called a devoted and learned Muslim and has shared his views on religion. “The teachings of the Prophet are that the religion is good for you,” he said. “It is a way of life, not just a faith. And if you follow the teachings, everything will be fine.
Additional reporting by AP.
