Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was hospitalized due to fatigue, his office confirmed Sunday, following media reports that he departed a picnic celebrating his 100th birthday ahead of schedule.
Mahathir, who led the Southeast Asian country for over two decades, has a history of cardiovascular issues and has had bypass operations. He has been repeatedly hospitalized recently, including for a respiratory infection last October.
His office stated he is currently under observation at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur for fatigue-related concerns. A statement noted, “He is resting, but we anticipate he will return home by this evening.”
Local media reported that Mahathir, a physician and former member of parliament until 2022, drove himself to the Sunday celebration, which also commemorated the 99th birthday of his wife, Hasmah Mohd Ali, held the previous day. The reports indicated he cycled for an hour before showing signs of fatigue. His birthday was Thursday.
Mahathir served as prime minister for 22 years until 2003. He made a comeback as premier in 2018 following a historic victory for the opposition coalition, but his administration dissolved in under two years due to internal disputes.
