Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was hospitalized at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur for medical observation at age 101, family members and aides confirmed. The hospitalization on September 29, 2026, occurred just two days after the death of his wife of nearly 70 years, Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, at age 100.
Hospitalization at National Heart Institute
Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) on Tuesday evening, September 29, 2026, according to his aide, Sufi Yusoff, as reported by Reuters and The Star. Family members stated that the admission was precautionary following an extremely difficult period for the former leader. His son, Mokhzani Mahathir, told reporters that his father’s condition was stable and not a cause for alarm. “He is warded at IJN for observation,” Mokhzani said, noting that the preceding two days had been very heavy for his father. Another aide, Sufi Yusoff, confirmed that Mahathir was resting comfortably while awaiting official medical assessments from attending physicians.
Recent Bereavement and State Funeral
The hospital admission follows the passing of Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, who died at IJN on the morning of September 28, 2026, at the age of 100. Her state funeral took place later that same day at the National Mausoleum in Putrajaya, drawing widespread national mourning and tributes from across Malaysia. Mahathir and Siti Hasmah were married on August 5, 1956, sharing a marriage that spanned seven decades and produced seven children. In a video shared on social media following her passing, a visibly grief-stricken Mahathir told the former King of Malaysia that he had not expected his wife to pass away.
Medical Background and Health History
Mahathir, who governed Malaysia for more than two decades across two separate tenures, maintains a documented history of cardiovascular illness. He previously underwent coronary bypass surgery. In recent years, his advanced age has prompted multiple hospital stays, including a three-week hospitalization in January 2026 following a hip fracture sustained from a fall at his residence, which doctors treated with physical therapy rather than surgery due to his age.