Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia's former Prime Minister, is currently recuperating at home following a recent hospital stay. The 99-year-old statesman, who has served as the country's leader twice, is reportedly recovering well according to his office.
Sufi Yusoff, a spokesperson for Mahathir, informed Bloomberg News that the former premier is on "home leave," allowing him to alternate between home and hospital care. However, Yusoff was unable to confirm whether Mahathir has been officially discharged from the hospital.
The nonagenarian politician was admitted to the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur on July 15, 2024, due to a coughing condition. This hospitalization occurred just days after Mahathir celebrated his 99th birthday on July 10.
Mahathir's recent health concerns are not isolated incidents. The veteran politician has previously been hospitalized for heart-related issues and has also battled Covid-19. Despite these challenges, Mahathir continues to demonstrate resilience, reflecting the tenacity that has characterized his long and influential political career.
Known as the "Father of Modern Malaysia," Mahathir has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's trajectory. His political journey began after a career in medicine, and he went on to become Malaysia's longest-serving Prime Minister. Mahathir's first tenure lasted from 1981 to 2003, during which he implemented the "Look East Policy" to emulate Asian economic success models.
In a surprising turn of events, Mahathir returned to power in 2018, leading an opposition coalition to victory and becoming the world's oldest head of government at the time. His second stint as Prime Minister lasted until 2020, further cementing his place in Malaysian political history.
Throughout his career, Mahathir has been a prolific writer and a controversial figure on the international stage. He has authored several books, including "The Malay Dilemma" and his memoirs, "A Doctor in the House." Mahathir's outspoken nature and criticism of Western-style democracy have often sparked debate, as has his advocacy for "Asian values."
As Mahathir continues his recovery, his legacy as a transformative leader remains a subject of both admiration and critique. His contributions to Malaysia's rapid modernization, including the development of Putrajaya as the country's administrative capital, are widely recognized. However, his leadership style has also faced criticism for perceived authoritarian tendencies.
Despite the challenges of age and health, Mahathir Mohamad remains a significant figure in Malaysian politics, his influence extending far beyond the borders of the Southeast Asian nation he helped shape.