KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, has been admitted to the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur for observation due to fatigue, his office confirmed on Sunday.
The nonagenarian statesman, known as a towering figure in Malaysian politics, reportedly left a birthday picnic celebration early after feeling unwell. Despite his age, Mahathir drove himself to the event and even cycled for an hour before appearing visibly tired, according to local media. The occasion also marked the 99th birthday of his wife, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.
“He is resting and under observation, but we expect him to return home by this evening,” his office said in a brief statement, downplaying concerns over his condition.
Mahathir, a trained physician and political veteran, has a long history of heart problems and has undergone multiple bypass surgeries. In recent years, he has been hospitalised several times, most recently in October for a respiratory infection.
Mahathir served as Malaysia’s Prime Minister for 22 years until 2003, and then returned to power in 2018 at the age of 92, leading a reformist coalition to a stunning electoral victory. His second tenure was short-lived, however, ending in 2020 amid political turmoil.
Despite stepping back from active politics, Mahathir remains an influential figure in Malaysia’s national discourse.
