Malaysia’s former prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, has been discharged from the hospital after being treated for a respiratory infection. The 99-year-old politician was admitted on October 15 for a lower respiratory tract infection, which had prevented him from attending a court hearing for a defamation case he filed against the country’s deputy prime minister. Mahathir, who has a history of heart problems, has been hospitalized multiple times in recent years.
Mahathir served as Malaysia’s longest-serving leader, with two terms as prime minister from 1981 to 2003 and again from 2018 to 2020. He was praised for his role in transforming the country into a top exporter of high-tech goods during his first term, but also faced criticism for undermining democracy and stifling dissent. In 2022, Mahathir suffered a surprising electoral defeat, losing his parliamentary seat in Langkawi for the first time in over 50 years.
Despite his loss in parliament, Mahathir has remained active in Malaysian politics, often criticizing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, his former protege. His recent hospitalization due to a respiratory infection has raised concerns about his health, given his advanced age and medical history. Mahathir’s discharge from the hospital has been met with relief by his supporters and marks a new chapter in his ongoing involvement in the country’s political landscape.
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