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Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad back in heart hospital as corruption probe circles sons
- News of the ex-PM’s hospitalisation emerged after his lawyer told a Kuala Lumpur court his client was unable to attend a defamation hearing
- It comes as Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency expands its probe on two of his sons, instructing them to file asset declarations that go back to 1981
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Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad has spent over a fortnight at a specialised cardiac unit in Kuala Lumpur, his office revealed on Tuesday, as a high-profile corruption investigation closes in on two of the 98-year-old’s sons.
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News of his hospitalisation came after his lawyer, Mior Nor Haidir Suhaimi, told a Kuala Lumpur court that his ageing client is unable to attend a defamation hearing as he has been admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) since January 26.
“Tun Mahathir is currently receiving treatment for infection at IJN, followed by a subsequent rest period for optimal recovery,” a spokesperson from Mahathir’s office said.
Mahathir has been given medical leave until next week, the aide added.
It is the latest hospital stay for the nonagenarian after he was admitted in August last year.
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Still, Mahathir has remained a vocal and pugnacious presence on Malaysia’s political scene, where his bitter rival Anwar Ibrahim now helms the country as prime minister.
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