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Malaysia’s two-time former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, 101, has been admitted to a hospital, a day after the death of his wife of 70 years, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
Mahathir was admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) on Tuesday night, his office confirmed on Wednesday (September 30). His wife, Dr Siti Hasmah, also died at the same hospital while undergoing treatment.
The exact reason for Mahathir’s admission has not been officially disclosed. His longtime aide, Sufi Yusoff, said they were waiting for further instructions from doctors.
Mahathir’s son, Mokhzani, told national news agency Bernama that his father had been admitted for observation.
“Over the past two days, my father has been under considerable emotional stress. But he is doing fine now, and there is no cause for concern at the moment,” Mokhzani said.
Mahathir, regarded as one of the key figures in modern Malaysia’s development, has been hospitalised several times in recent years.
In January, he spent three weeks in hospital after falling at home and fracturing his right hip. Doctors decided against surgery because of the risks associated with his age, and he now uses a wheelchair.
He was also treated in hospital in July last year after celebrating his 100th birthday due to physical exhaustion and in October 2024 for a lung infection.
Mahathir underwent bypass surgery in 1989 and again in 2007.
