Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, 101, was admitted to the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur for observation after the death of his wife of 70 years, Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, aged 100. His aide, Sufi Yusoff, said he is stable but fatigued from grief, hot weather and lack of rest. Mahathir has a history of heart problems and recent hospitalisations, including a hip fracture in January. The admission is precautionary while doctors assess his condition.
Mahathir, 101, Hospitalised for Observation After Wife of 70 Years Dies
Mahathir Mohamad looks at the casket of his wife, Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, during her funeral ceremony on September 28 (Najjua Zulkefli)
Malaysia's former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, aged 101, has been admitted to the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur for observation following the death of his wife of seven decades, Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, his aide confirmed to AFP.
The two-time premier was taken to hospital on Tuesday night, aide Sufi Yusoff said, and officials have not yet released a formal medical diagnosis. Sufi said Mahathir was experiencing fatigue after the emotional strain of his wife's passing and a lack of rest.
"He is in a stable condition," Sufi said in a WhatsApp message. He added that Mahathir was "exhausted from the emotional ups and downs, the hot weather and lack of rest. All of that is not a good combination for someone who is 101 years old."
Siti Hasmah, a medical doctor and long-time public health advocate, died at the age of 100. The couple raised seven children together and were a prominent public pair in Malaysia for decades.
Footage posted on Mahathir's official Instagram account showed the former prime minister visibly emotional at his wife's funeral, telling the country's former king through tears that he "didn't expect her to die today."
Health History and Context
Mahathir has a history of heart problems and has undergone bypass surgeries. He has been hospitalised multiple times in recent years, most recently in January after suffering a hip fracture in a fall. Known internationally as one of the oldest national leaders, he first served as Malaysia's fourth prime minister from 1981 to 2003 and returned to office from 2018 to 2020 at the age of 92.
The hospital stay is being treated as precautionary observation while medical staff determine the cause of his fatigue and ensure his stability during a period of intense grief and recovery.
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