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Straits Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Mahathir, 100, apologises for leaving birthday picnic early due to fatigue
KUALA LUMPUR – Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad has apologised for leaving a birthday-themed picnic event early on July 13 . He explained in a TikTok post that he was feeling unwell and needed medical attention. 'I am sorry I could not stay at the picnic yesterday. I was too tired, and the doctor advised me to go to the hospital. So, I went, but only briefly, and then returned home. 'I am feeling better now and have resumed my normal routine. I hope everyone can understand, and I apologise again,' said the 100-year-old in the short video clip on July 14. The Picnic and Potluck event, held at Putrajaya Lake next to the Perdana Leadership Foundation, was organised to celebrate Tun Dr Mahathir's birthday on July 10 and the 99th birthday of his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, on July 12. Dr Mahathir, who drove himself to the event at around 7.45am, joined a tandem bicycle ride covering about 8km to 9km. However, after the ride, he appeared fatigued and was seen resting briefly before heading to the breakfast area. He left the gathering around 10am, before being able to meet and take photos with attendees. He was admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) around 10am to rest. He was discharged and allowed to return home as at 4.45pm on July 13. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Sinar Daily
6 days ago
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Aged 100, Dr Mahathir discharged from hospital and recovering after birthday fatigue
SHAH ALAM – A celebration by the lake, a tandem bike ride and crowds of admirers marked Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's 100th birthday celebration on July 13. However, the former prime minister began to feel fatigued and had to leave the event earlier than expected. Dr Mahathir's 100th birthday celebration on July 13 was marked by festivities and admirers until fatigue forced him to leave earlier than expected. This led to a brief hospital stay that triggered public concern, but officials and family members were quick to clarify his condition. A milestone celebration cut short The birthday picnic, held by Putrajaya Lake near the Perdana Leadership Foundation, honoured Dr Mahathir's 100th birthday and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali's 99th birthday. Over 500 people gathered for the potluck-style event, bringing food and gifts to share with well-wishers. Dr Mahathir arrived at 7.45am, having driven himself to the location. He later joined a tandem bicycle ride with his personal security officers, completing a distance of around eight to nine kilometres. Though initially cheerful, the ride took its toll. 'Yes, Tun was truly fatigued. So he left the event early and is now resting. His condition is okay, but he has been advised to rest and is currently at National Heart Institute (IJN),' his aide Sufi Yusoff said around 10am that morning. Observed at IJN, home by evening Dr Mahathir was admitted to IJN around 10am on July 13, purely as a precautionary measure after showing signs of exhaustion. By 4.45pm, he was discharged and allowed to return home. His son, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, later clarified that his father had no serious health issues. Dr Mahathir's 100th birthday celebration on July 13 was marked by festivities and admirers until fatigue forced him to leave earlier than expected. 'This morning, he went straight into quite a long ride, so he felt a bit fatigued. But after having some breakfasts, kuih and coffee, he felt refreshed again,' Mokhzani said. He also clarified that Dr Mahathir had a busy few days, including a gala dinner the previous night and limited rest, which contributed to his tiredness. Despite his early departure, the event left a strong impression on attendees, many of whom were eager to honour Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister. Dr Mahathir's personal message: "Alhamdulillah, I am now recovering" On July 14, Dr Mahathir posted a video update on his Facebook page, showing him leaving what appeared to be his home, heading to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for lunch and greeting people who stopped him for photos. In the video, he appeared relaxed, even having a conversation with a young boy. 'Assalamualaikum and warm greetings to everyone. I sincerely apologise for having to leave early from yesterday's picnic, which was attended by thousands. "I was feeling extremely fatigued and needed to rest, following the advice of my doctor to visit the hospital. 'I did go, but only for a brief check-up before returning home. Alhamdulillah, I am now in recovery and under the care of my doctor. I am gradually returning to my normal routine, including resuming work. I truly hope you will understand my absence yesterday. Thank you,' he said in his Facebook post. Despite his age, the two-time prime minister remains active, engaging in public and political matters. His recent health episode shows the natural limits of age, but also his determination to keep going. His brief hospital visit was precautionary, not critical and he is already back to his routine, an impressive feat for someone who just turned 100. This latest moment serves as a gentle reminder that while public figures like Dr Mahathir are admired for their resilience, even the strongest among us must take time to rest. For many Malaysians, his presence even if brief, was still a gift.
AllAfrica
7 days ago
- Politics
- AllAfrica
Mahathir, Anwar and the Final battle against time
[ Editors' note: Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohmad was hospitalized for fatigue after a 100th birthday picnic, but was released on Sunday.] Having turned 100 on July 10, Mahathir Mohamad remains a potent force in Malaysia's political landscape. To meet him is to confront a paradox: a man who shaped half his nation's history yet discusses past policies with a startling clarity that defies his age. His vitality and sharp mind are not just personal traits; they are the foundation of his enduring relevance. Mahathir's formidable work ethic was forged in his early career as a physician. Working 'day and night,' he learned a discipline that became his leadership's bedrock. 'If someone goes into labor at 3 am, you can't tell them to wait,' he explained, a principle he carried into the Prime Minister's office. His motto is simple: 'Practice work discipline, do not waste TIME.' This urgency comes from a lifelong race against the clock. He initially believed his time in power would be short, as had been his predecessors'. 'Time is not enough because I have many ideas,' he once said in when being interviewed by a local media outlet. 'Time has been a problem for me from the very beginning.' Even as a centenarian, he displays his legendary discipline, supported by an austere lifestyle of no smoking or drinking but constant physical activity. This image of endurance is a powerful political tool, lending weight to his critiques and making him a difficult adversary to dismiss. His legacy is one of grand ambition and nation-building, a narrative he now wields in what may be his final political fight: a court case scheduled to unfold next month. Mahathir's sharp memory is as much a political weapon as his work ethic. I saw this firsthand when I met him at his Perdana Leadership Foundation office in Putrajaya earlier this year. I was deeply impressed by his memory as we discussed the Malaysia-Singapore Water Agreement. He shared interesting facts and recalled intricate details from his tenure with stunning clarity. This mental acuity is legendary. He famously called the original price of 3 cents per thousand gallons 'manifestly ridiculous' and relentlessly pushed for better terms, with his government's asking price escalating dramatically over the years. This sharpness reinforces his image as the architect of modern Malaysia, the visionary behind transformative projects and the ambitious Vision 2020 plan that aimed to make Malaysia a fully developed nation. His handling of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, where he defied international advice by imposing capital controls, is seen by many as a masterstroke that saved the economy, though critics argue it also protected politically connected firms. The final confrontation between two titans is set for the Shah Alam High Court in August 2025. Mahathir has filed a RM150 million defamation suit against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, a battle for the soul of their shared history. The suit stems from a speech in which Anwar alluded to a leader who ruled for '22 years and 22 months' and allegedly used that power to enrich his family. Mahathir claims these remarks paint him as corrupt and racist, and he is demanding a full retraction and apology. For Anwar, this is a moment of truth. The allegations of cronyism during Mahathir's rule have been the cornerstone of his Reformasi movement for over two decades. His supporters have long claimed to have 'boxes and boxes of proof,' and now, the court is demanding he present them. The challenge is immense. While critics point to scandals like the multi-billion ringgit Perwaja Steel fiasco as evidence of a system lacking accountability, proving these decades-old claims with legal rigor is another matter entirely. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is also investigating Mahathir's sons, adding another layer to the drama. The legal showdown is a high-stakes game of strategy. Anwar Ibrahim's legal history suggests a playbook of procedural challenges and delays. In a separate civil suit, he recently sought 'qualified immunity' to postpone a trial, arguing it could 'destabilize the government'—a tactic he may well deploy again. For Anwar, a trial is a political minefield. Failing to produce evidence would be a catastrophic admission that his decades-long accusations were baseless. Delay seems the most logical, if cynical, path. From Mahathir's perspective, the lawsuit is a brilliant offensive. It forces his rival onto the defensive and allows him to control the narrative. Every postponement sought by Anwar's team can be framed as an admission of weakness, reinforcing Mahathir's claim that he is the victim of a long-running smear campaign. The final battle between Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim is not just a legal dispute; it is a war against time itself. For decades, Dr. Mahathir has been driven by an almost frantic sense of urgency. He built a nation in a hurry, convinced he had only a short window to enact his grand vision. Now, in a twist of profound irony, his rival's primary legal strategy appears to be buying time. Anwar's attempts to delay court proceedings, whether through immunity bids or other procedural maneuvers, stand in stark contrast to Mahathir's lifelong race against the clock. Can Anwar successfully buy the time he needs? Perhaps. But with each delay, the narrative shifts. The prime minister, who built a movement on promises of exposing past sins, appears unable or unwilling to present his evidence in court. Meanwhile, the centenarian statesman, far from fading away, seems energized by the fight. He remains in the headlines, not as a relic, but as a relentless warrior demanding his day in court. In this ultimate political endgame, TIME—the very element Mahathir always felt he lacked – now appears to be his greatest ally.
The Star
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Dr M briefly admitted to IJN after birthday bash
PUTRAJAYA: Initially smiling as he cycled on a tandem bike, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad eventually became fatigued during his 100th birthday celebration in Putrajaya on July 13, leaving with his wife before being able to cut the cake. His aide Sufi Yusoff informed reporters that the former prime minister left the event and was then admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) at around 10am to rest. 'Yes, Tun was truly fatigued, so he left the event early and is now resting. His condition is okay, but he has been advised to rest and is currently at IJN,' he said. In a subsequent update, Sufi said Dr Mahathir had been discharged from IJN at 4.45pm. The public picnic and potluck session was held to celebrate Dr Mahathir's 100th birthday at the Perdana Leadership Foundation. Although it was cut short due to his exhaustion, the event left a lasting impression on many Malaysians who gathered in Putrajaya. Nickozie Mazlan, a 51-year-old housewife from Selangor, along with her family and friends, designed a T-shirt featuring Dr Mahathir's face and a wooden block with his name engraved on it. Taking a breather: Dr Mahathir is seen resting at the 'Picnic and Potluck' event in conjunction with his 100th birthday at Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star 'A few of us had prepared to give items to him, but unfortunately he had to leave early. Hopefully, we'll get another chance to present them to him,' said Nickozie when met, adding that it was a great honour to meet both Dr Mahathir and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. Young politics enthusiast Su Wilma Ishika Mohd Azlan Shah, 21, who attended with over 20 people including friends and family members, said the picnic had a memorable atmosphere. 'Dr Mahathir is an inspiring figure to me, especially as someone young, and I admire his leadership and resilience,' said Su, a mass communication student from Shah Alam. 'I also came today because Dr Siti Hasmah and I share the same birthday (July 12) and I wanted to meet her as well, but they had to leave early as Dr Mahathir was not feeling too well.' Retired engineer Ahmad Shukri Abdul Shukor, 63, brought 44 people from Setiawangsa to meet the former prime minister. 'I brought in 44 residents from Bukit Setiawangsa to spend the morning with Dr Mahathir,' said Ahmad. Ramchandran Sekaran, 47, a mechanic, brought his two children to the picnic in hopes of creating new memories for them. 'It's my only chance to get my kids to meet a public figure like Dr Mahathir,' said Ramchandran, who hails from Ampang. 'Thanks to these public meetings, we are able to meet him for a short while and I'm able to introduce my children to him,' he added, referring to his two sons aged eight and 10. Also present at the event were Dr Mahathir's son Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir and Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Dr M resting at IJN after experiencing fatigue
KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is being treated at the National Heart Institute (IJN) after experiencing fatigue while attending a picnic event to celebrate his 100th birthday this morning. His aide, Sufi Yusoff, confirmed that Dr Mahathir was admitted to IJN at around 10am. He said the former Langkawi member of parliament is expected to be discharged from IJN later today. "Yes, Tun (Dr Mahathir) is currently resting at IJN after complaining of fatigue following his participation in the Picnic & Potluck programme in Putrajaya this morning. "The doctor informed us that he is stable and has been advised to rest," he said today. Earlier, Dr Mahathir was reported to have left the birthday picnic earl y this morning after feeling a little tired. The gathering by Putrajaya Lake, near the Perdana Leadership Foundation, was held in conjunction with Dr Mahathir's 100th birthday on July 10 and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali's 99th birthday on July 12. Dr Mahathir drove himself to the event. He later joined a tandem bicycle ride around the lake, accompanied by his personal security detail. After cycling for about eight to nine kilometres, he appeared tired and briefly rested on a chair before heading to the breakfast table. Dr Mahathir left the event at around 10am, before he could mingle and take photos with the crowd.
