Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has been admitted to the National Heart Institute for treatment of a respiratory infection, according to a statement from his office on Wednesday. The 99-year-old, who has a long history of heart issues and has undergone multiple bypass surgeries, missed a court hearing in a defamation case he had filed due to his hospitalization. His lawyer informed the court that Mahathir was admitted for coughing related to a lower respiratory tract infection and will remain on medical leave until October 25.
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Mahathir, who served as prime minister for 22 years from 1981 to 2003, made a political comeback in 2018, becoming prime minister once again after leading the opposition coalition to a landmark electoral victory. His health has been a matter of concern in recent years, with his most recent hospitalization occurring in July 2024.
