Mahathir Mohamad Hospitalized for Respiratory Infection

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, aged 99, has been hospitalized due to a lower respiratory tract infection, which has prevented him from attending a court hearing for a defamation case against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. His office confirmed that he was admitted to the National Heart Institute on October 15 and will be on medical leave until October 25. Mahathir has a history of heart problems and has been hospitalized multiple times in recent years, with his last admission occurring in July. He served as prime minister for a total of 22 years across two terms, 1981-2003 and 2018-2020. His health issues have raised concerns given his advanced age and prior medical history. The postponement of his court case due to his health has drawn attention from local media.