Former Malaysian PM hospitalised

Mahathir in intensive care unit after complaining of breathing difficulties.

Mahathir Mohamad, malaysia, former prime minister
A file picture of Mahathir, who was prime minister of Malaysia for 22 years [AFP]
“He asked for some water to drink. Doctors have given him some oxygen and sedatives to make him rest. This has stabilised his condition,” he said. “But I am not sure when he could leave [the hospital].”
 
Doctors have advised Mahathir to rest and only relatives are allowed to visit him, added Mukhriz.
 
Mahathir’s wife, children and other relatives were at his bedside.
 
The 81-year-old former prime minister and his wife arrived in Langkawi for a two-day day private visit and were scheduled to return to Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
 
In November, Mahathir suffered a mild stroke caused by a clot that restricted blood flow in one of his arteries, but subsequently recovered.
 
He also underwent heart bypass surgery after a heart attack in 1989.
 
Mahathir retired in 2003 after 22 years in office, handing over the reins to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, whom he has since accused of nepotism and corruption.
Source: News Agencies