LANGKAWI, Malaysia: Malaysia's former premier Mahathir Mohamad
has been admitted to intensive care on the resort island of
Langkawi after suffering from breathing difficulties, his son said
on Monday.
"It appears to be so. I have been informed that he is now in the
intensive care unit at the Langkawi hospital," Mokhzani Mahathir
told AFP.
"It is unfortunate that it had to happen," said Mokhzani.
The 81-year-old former prime minister was admitted to hospital at
4.00 pm (0800 GMT) on Monday, according the Star daily's news alert
service. His condition was reportedly stable.
Mahathir suffered a mild stroke in November last year, caused by a
clot that restricted blood flow in one of his arteries, but
subsequently recovered.
He also suffered a heart attack in 1989 and had bypass
surgery.
Mahathir retired from office in October 2003 after 22 years in
power, handing over the reins 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 informal talks aimed to enhance
ties.
- AFP/so
