‘I have recovered,’ says Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Mahathir in video message

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – After many days of inconsistency in his health conditions, Malaysia’s veteran leader Mahathir Mohamad on Friday said he has “recovered.”

“I have recovered, not fully but have recovered,” said Mahathir in a video message released today.

There had been many unconfirmed reports making rounds on social media regarding the health of the world's oldest former prime minister, who led Malaysia to unprecedented economic growth.

However, last week his spokesperson Sufi Yusuff had told Anadolu Agency that his health was “improving.”

Mahathir, 96, was admitted to National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur.

“For the past few days, I have been going back home from the hospital,” Mahathir said in a voice sounding frail.

The former prime minister said that doctors at the hospital are still conducting medical “procedures.”

Thanking people for their prayers for his healthy recovery, the video shows Mahathir surfing through a newspaper in his hands and his wife sitting beside him while he is taking sips from a cup.

“Many (people) had sent flowers and (get well) cards,” he added.

“My hope is that soon I will recover fully.”

On Dec. 16, 2021, the former premier was admitted to the institute. In 2006, he had a heart attack, and the following year, he suffered another.

Mahathir served as the country's fourth and seventh prime minister.

He was the country's longest-serving prime minister from July 1981 to October 2003 and then again from May 2018 to March 2020, making up a total of 24 years.