Malaysia’s 99-year-old ex-PM Mahathir in hospital again – aide

Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad speaks during the Nikkei Forum “Future of Asia” in Tokyo on May 24, 2024. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s nearly 100-year-old former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad has been hospitalised for a respiratory infection, his aide told AFP Wednesday.

The two-time former prime minister was last hospitalized in July for “continuous coughing”.

On Wednesday his aide said he was admitted to the National Heart Institute on Tuesday evening.

READ: It’s a miracle I’m alive: Former PM Mahathir lauds Malaysia’s healthcare sector

“The reason as stated by the hospital was for ‘lower respiratory tract infection’,” Sufi Yusoff said.

“He is expected to be receiving treatment for the next few days.”

Mahathir just turned 99 in July.

READ: Malaysia’s veteran politician Mahathir defeated at polls

He has suffered several heart problems in recent years and underwent bypass surgeries.

Besides his July hospitalization, he also spent nearly three months in hospital earlier this year.

Mahathir has been dubbed the world’s oldest serving leader after helming office twice, first holding the position as the Southeast Asian country’s fourth national leader from 1981 until 2003.

He then served as prime minister for a second time at the age of 92 from 2018 to 2020.