Dr M recovering

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad must surely take it easy from now on.

He's been hospitalised three times in six months. He is now recovering at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur after another worrying episode, according to a Reuters report some three hours ago.

Sophie wishes Dr M another speedy recovery.

Malaysia's former PM Mahathir recovering - son
Tue May 15, 2007 6:28 PM IST

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad is recovering well at a specialist heart hospital in the capital, a day after he was taken ill with breathing difficulties, his son said on Tuesday.

Mahathir, 81, was on Tuesday flown in a private jet from the northern island of Langkawi, where he was holidaying, to the National Heart Institute for treatment.

"His condition has improved. He is cheerful and he can talk," Mahathir's youngest son, Mukhriz Mahathir, told Reuters.

He said his father might be discharged on Thursday or Friday.

The National Heart Institute said Mahathir was "awake and conscious", and had porridge for lunch.

"He remained stable with no breathing difficulties," the hospital said in a statement.

Mahathir, who ruled Malaysia for 22 years until late 2003, had suffered a mild heart attack in November last year, about six months after he launched a withering political attack on the new administration, accusing it of scrapping important state projects he had approved before retiring from office.

Mahathir, who kept a hectic schedule despite his retirement, has a history of heart trouble. He had bypass surgery in 1989.