Malaysian ex-PM Mahathir in hospital with coronavirus | Inquirer News

Malaysian ex-PM Mahathir in hospital with coronavirus

/ 01:27 PM August 31, 2022

Malaysian ex-PM Mahathir in hospital with coronavirus

Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, speaks at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on August 7, 2020 to announce the formation of a new political party. AFP

KUALA LUMPUR — Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad was in hospital Wednesday after testing positive for coronavirus for the first time.

“Mahathir has only mild symptoms of the Covid infection,” an aide told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Article continues after this advertisement

A Wednesday statement from the former premier’s office said he “tested positive for Covid-19 this morning”.

FEATURED STORIES

Mahathir has been admitted to the National Heart Institute for “observation for the next few days”, it added.

The 97-year-old veteran politician has been actively touring the country in recent weeks to beef up support for his new political party amid speculation that snap polls could be held before the end of the year.

Article continues after this advertisement

Mahathir was previously admitted in December and January for several days, for a check-up in the cardiac care unit.

Article continues after this advertisement

He has had numerous heart problems over the years, suffering several heart attacks and undergoing bypass surgery.

Article continues after this advertisement

Mahathir is one of Malaysia’s dominant political figures, having served twice as prime minister for a total of 24 years.

He was leader from 1981 to 2003, then returned to power in 2018 at the age of 92, heading a reformist coalition.

Article continues after this advertisement

But that administration collapsed in 2020 due to infighting.

RELATED STORIES

Malaysia’s Mahathir says ‘highly likely’ jailed Najib will get royal pardon

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

Malaysia’s ex-PM Mahathir ‘responding well’ to treatment after readmission to hospital

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir hospitalized for elective medical procedure

For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.

TAGS: COVID-19, Health, Malaysia

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.