Mahathir Mohamad: Malaysia’s dominant political figure released from hospital after checks – Source

Following four days of medical checks, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was discharged from the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, a source close to the 98-year-old former premier told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Mahathir is counted among Malaysia’s most dominant political figures, having led the country for a total of 24 years. He has served twice as prime minister, from 1981 to 2003 and returning to power in 2018 at the age of 92, heading a reformist coalition.

But infighting caused the administration to collapse in 2020. The former leader lost in the 2022 general election but has joined hands with ethnic Malay political parties in an effort to unseat the current government, led by Anwar Ibrahim, 75.

Mahathir’s Heart Health In Focus

According to the anonymous source, Mahathir had been admitted to the specialist heart hospital in the capital on Tuesday for “observation”. “Yes, Mahathir has been discharged,” they mentioned on Friday, without providing any additional details.

On Thursday, another official close to the former leader said he was receiving treatment for an “infection”. In recent years, Mahathir has been the victim of numerous heart problems, including at least a couple of heart attacks. He even has undergone at least two bypass surgeries.

The politician had to remain in hospital for several days in December 2021 and January 2022 for medical checks. Last year, he tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalised for observation under the advice of the medical team, a statement issued by his office read.