Dr Mahathir doing better, able to joke, says family

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is improving in health and was able to joke with his family at the hospital today, his eldest child Marina Mahathir said.

Concerns had been swirling about the veteran leader’s health since his readmission to the National Heart Institute (IJN) early last week.

But Marina said Mahathir’s appetite was improving and that he had been told of the well wishes expressed by many including international leaders.

“Mahathir and the family are moved, and wish to thank everyone who has been praying for his swift recovery,” she said.

“He has also asked that people do not worry too much about his health.”

She added that Mahathir would continue receiving treatment under specialist care at IJN although no visitors apart from close family members would be allowed.

Mahathir was readmitted to IJN early last week after undergoing an elective procedure on Jan 7.

He was previously admitted to IJN in December, when doctors said they were conducting a series of tests on the 96-year-old veteran leader.