Public gets first glimpse of Mahathir since hospital scare

Dr Mahathir Mohamad is seen seated with his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Ali and reading a newspaper, in the first public photographs of the veteran leader since his hospital admission that caused nationwide anxiety last month.

“Thank you for the prayers, the well wishes, the flowers and greeting cards from everyone,” read a post on his Instagram account today.

A statement released by his office said Mahathir was allowed to go home on Wednesday, but must return to the National Heart Institute (IJN) for follow-up treatment.

“Dr Mahathir will continue to undergo rehabilitation treatment and he is advised not to receive any visitors at the moment,” it said.

In a separate video address, Mahathir said he had been in and out of hospital since he was discharged.

“I would like to inform that I have recovered, not fully, but have recovered, and for the past few days, I have been going back home from the hospital.

“My hope is that soon I will recover fully. Thank you again to everyone,” he said.

Mahathir, who will turn 97 this July, was readmitted to IJN last month 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.

News of his health drew nationwide interest, with special prayers held for his recovery.

Mahathir made history when he was appointed to the top office again in 2018 after leading a coalition to topple six decades of Umno rule in 2018, becoming the oldest prime minister in the world at that time.