Former Malaysia Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, 98, has been admitted to hospital again to receive treatment for an undisclosed infection, his spokesman said, confirming media reports after the ex-premier of more than two decades missed a court hearing on Tuesday (Feb 13).

Mahathir was admitted to the National Heart Institute on Jan 26 and “is currently receiving treatment for infection ... followed by a subsequent rest period for optimal recovery,” according to his spokesman.

The nonagenarian has been in and out of hospital in recent years. He has a history of heart problems and has undergone bypass surgeries.

Mahathir had been scheduled to attend a court proceeding on Tuesday but failed to show up, according to a report by state news agency Bernama.

His lawyer told the court, Mahathir had been admitted at the National Heart Institute since Jan 26, Bernama reported.

Mahathir served as prime minister for 22 years until 2003. He returned as premier in 2018 after leading the opposition coalition to a historic win, but his government collapsed in less than two years due to infighting. REUTERS

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