Mahathir transferred to heart institute

Malaysia's ailing former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad was transferred on Tuesday to a heart hospital in the capital Kuala Lumpur after doctors expressed satisfaction with his progress, an aide said.

"The decision to transfer Mahathir to IJN (National Heart Institute) was made after doctors were satisfied at his positive rate of progress to treatment," Sufi Yusoff said in a statement to reporters.

Mahathir, 81, was admitted to hospital on the resort island of Langkawi on Monday after experiencing difficulty breathing.

Sufi said the former prime minister would receive further treatment by a team of doctors at the Kuala Lumpur facility.

Earlier Tuesday, an aide who asked not to be identified told AFP the ex-leader was "calm, relaxed and cheerful", conscious and remained in stable condition.

Mukhriz Mahathir, Mahathir's son, told reporters late Monday outside the Langkawi hospital that his father was in intensive care but was conscious and stable.

Mukhriz said it was not clear how long Mahathir would be in hospital but "we are optimistic he will be able to recover from this episode."

Mahathir suffered a mild stroke in November last year, caused by a clot that restricted blood flow in one of his arteries. He subsequently recovered.

Mahathir also suffered a heart attack in 1989 and had bypass surgery.

He retired from office in 2003 after 22 years in power, handing over to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, whom he has since accused of nepotism and corruption.

Abdullah and his Singaporean counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong, arrived in Langkawi on Monday for two days of informal talks aimed at enhancing ties.


Dr M flown to KL, treatment at IJN - Malaysiakini