Mahathir Mohamad Hospitalized for Respiratory Infection

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, 99, has been hospitalized at the National Heart Institute due to a lower respiratory tract infection. His hospitalization was confirmed after he missed a court hearing related to a defamation lawsuit against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, which has now been postponed until October 29. Mahathir's health has been a concern for several years, compounded by a history of heart problems and previous surgeries. He was admitted on the evening of October 15 and will be on medical leave until October 25. The defamation case stems from remarks made by Ahmad Zahid in 2017, which Mahathir claims have damaged his reputation as a statesman. This incident marks yet another chapter in Mahathir's long political career, having served as prime minister twice over several decades.