Malaysia’s former prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, has been discharged from the hospital after being treated for a respiratory infection. The 99-year-old politician was admitted on October 15 for a lower respiratory tract infection, which was a cause for concern given his history of heart problems. His hospitalization forced him to miss a court hearing for a defamation case he filed against the country’s deputy prime minister.
Mahathir, who served as Malaysia’s prime minister from 1981 to 2003 and then again from 2018 to 2020, is known for his efforts to transform the country into a top exporter of high-tech goods. However, his leadership was also marked by accusations of undermining democracy and stifling dissent.
In a shocking turn of events, Mahathir lost his parliamentary seat in Langkawi in 2022, marking his first electoral defeat in over 50 years. Despite this setback, he has continued to be an influential figure in Malaysian politics, especially as a vocal critic of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, his former protege-turned-rival.
Mahathir’s health issues have raised concerns about his ability to actively participate in the country’s political landscape. However, his legacy as Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister and his ongoing involvement in politics demonstrate his enduring influence on the nation’s political trajectory.
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