Former Malaysian PM Mahathir tested Covid positive; hospitalised
text_fields
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who tested positive for Covid-19, was admitted to hospital. His diagnosis of Covid came on Wednesday morning. His office said that he was admitted to the hospital as part of observation.
"Mahathir has been admitted to the National Heart Institute for observation for the next few days as advised by the medical team," the statement said.
The statement did not give any details of his symptoms or condition.
Mahathir, 97, has heart problems. Earlier, in end-January this year also, he was admitted to the hospital.
Officials had also said that Mahathir had received the Covid vaccination.
Mahathir became the Prime Minister of Malaysia twice. The first term was 1981 to 2003 when he ruled the country like an unquestioned leader, leading his party the United Malay National Organizxation (UMNO).
He later came to power in May 2018 with the support of a coalition of opposition parties with a historic win. It was during this time that allegations were made of irregularities in the One MDB fund of billions of dollars aimed at the comprehensive development of Malaysia. After two years, Mahathir had to step down after the coalition broke up due to internal problems.