Post by : Meena Ariff

Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad has been advised against undergoing surgery after fracturing his hip, with doctors citing his advanced age as the primary concern. The decision was confirmed by his son, Mukhriz Mahathir, through a video message shared on Wednesday.

The 100-year-old political veteran was admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) at around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday after he slipped and fell during his regular morning exercise routine. Medical examinations later confirmed that he had sustained a hip fracture. However, doctors concluded that surgical intervention would pose significant risks and would not be a suitable option given his age.

Mukhriz explained that instead of surgery, his father will remain under close medical supervision and is expected to stay in hospital for approximately two to three weeks to allow for recovery and rehabilitation.

Mahathir’s press secretary, Sufi Yusoff, also confirmed that the former prime minister remained conscious and stable throughout his transfer to the hospital.

Over the past two years, Mahathir has been hospitalised multiple times. He was admitted last July following exhaustion after a private picnic held to mark his 100th birthday. Prior to that, he received medical treatment for a respiratory infection in October 2024. These episodes add to his long medical history, which includes heart bypass surgeries carried out in 1989 and again in 2007.

Despite his age and health challenges, Mahathir continues to be an active and influential figure in Malaysia’s political landscape. Known for his resilience and determination, he has remained engaged in national affairs and has recently focused on bringing together opposition groups to challenge Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The rivalry between Mahathir and Anwar, rooted in contrasting political ideologies and leadership styles, has shaped Malaysia’s political narrative for decades and continues to influence public discourse in the country’s multicultural society.

Mahathir, Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister, governed the nation for 22 years during his first tenure from 1981 to 2003. His leadership period is remembered for rapid economic development, alongside ongoing debates over governance, power concentration, and allegations of corruption.

#Asia News #Malaysia News