Dr M in hospital for chest infection

Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) last night for treatment at its general ward.

"Currently Dr Mahathir is being treated in general ward for chest infection following a bout of cough," said the hospital in a statement shared on the former premier's Facebook page.

"Dr Mahathir will be admitted for a few days to allow for treatment and observation.

"Visits only for close family members," said the statement.

Mahathir's daughter Marina, meanwhile, reassured that her father remains in good health despite being admitted.

"Went to visit dad this morning. He's good, just needs some rest.

"He'll be back to kick some butts again soon," she tweeted, along with a photograph taken with 93-year-old Mahathir who had recently been on a campaign blitz for Harapan, as the coalition's prime ministerial candidate.

Mahathir was initially scheduled to visit Bentong today but the local Bersatu division yesterday announced that his functions have been cancelled based on medical advice.

When contacted, an aide to Mahathir told Malaysiakini that his schedule has been tentatively cleared for next week, including attendance at a Harapan presidential council meeting on Tuesday.

Despite his age, Mahathir has been busy crisscrossing the country for speaking engagements, many of which are held at night.

At a Ponggal event last Sunday, he had apologised if he sounded tired as he was already coughing.- Mkini