Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, 100, is hospitalized with a broken right hip after a fall at home. His daughter says the fracture is serious because of his age but not life-threatening, and he will remain under observation for several weeks. Doctors have ruled out surgery due to his age, so recovery is expected to be slower and rely on conservative care. Mahathir, who has a history of heart disease, remains active in public commentary despite stepping back from frontline politics.
Mahathir, 100, Hospitalized After Hip Fracture — Family Says Injury Serious But Stable
FILE -Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaks during a news conference at his office in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Jan. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian, File)
Malaysia's centenarian former prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, is recovering in hospital after sustaining a broken right hip in a fall at his home, his family said. His daughter described the injury as serious given his age but not life-threatening.
Mahathir was rushed to the National Heart Institute on Tuesday. His office said he will stay hospitalized for several weeks for observation and treatment as doctors monitor his recovery.
It’s a hip fracture and we have to wait for it to heal which, due to his age, will take time. Otherwise he’s as ok as anyone with a hip fracture can be.
Marina Mahathir also dismissed circulating rumours that her father was dying, stressing that while the injury is serious for a 100-year-old, it is not life-threatening.
According to his son Mukhriz, the former leader fell during his usual brisk morning walk. Doctors have ruled out surgery because of his advanced age, which means his recovery may be slower than for a younger patient and will rely on conservative treatment and careful monitoring.
Mahathir served as Malaysia’s prime minister from 1981 to 2003 and again from 2018 to 2020, becoming the world’s oldest head of government during his second term. Although he has stepped back from frontline politics, he continues to comment publicly on political developments.
The fall follows a series of non-critical hospitalizations in recent years. Mahathir has a history of heart disease, including bypass surgery after a heart attack in 1989 and a quadruple bypass in 2007. He turned 100 in July and has credited staying mentally and physically active for his longevity.
So long as I can function, I want to function. I want to behave almost as if I am not getting old. I try to live the same life that I lived when I was younger.
Family statements emphasize that his condition is being managed and that he will remain under observation until his medical team is satisfied with his progress.
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