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Malaysian ex-leader Mahathir in hospital, second time in weeks

AFP . Kuala Lumpur
07 Jan 2022 20:10:55 | Update: 07 Jan 2022 20:14:38
Malaysian ex-leader Mahathir in hospital, second time in weeks
Malaysia's former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad reacts during an interview with Reuters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 16, 2020. — Reuters Photo

Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad was admitted to hospital Friday, the medical facility said, weeks after he was discharged following a check-up. 

The National Heart Institute said the 96-year-old was admitted for an "elective medical procedure" but did provide further details. 

The former premier was given a full medical check-up with several investigations at the same specialist heart hospital in mid-December, with doctors discharging him a week later. 

Mahathir has had heart problems in the past, suffering several heart attacks and undergoing bypass surgery. 

He has been one of Malaysia's most dominant political figures in recent decades, serving 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 as the head of a reformist coalition. 

But that administration collapsed in 2020 due to infighting. 

 

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