Mahathir Mohamad's Hip Fracture: No Surgery Recommended at 100

Post by : Mina Rahman

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has been advised against surgical intervention following a hip fracture, with healthcare professionals expressing concern over his advanced age. This update was shared by his son, Mukhriz Mahathir, via a video message on Wednesday.

The centenarian was taken to the National Heart Institute (IJN) at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday after a fall during his daily exercise routine. Subsequent medical assessments confirmed the hip fracture. However, physicians determined that surgical options would present significant risks, deeming them unwise given his age.

Mukhriz clarified that, rather than undergoing surgery, his father will be closely monitored and is expected to remain hospitalized for around two to three weeks for recovery and rehabilitation.

Sufi Yusoff, Mahathir's press secretary, also noted that the former prime minister was conscious and stable during his hospital transfer.

In the past two years, Mahathir has had multiple hospital visits. Last July, he was hospitalized due to exhaustion following a private celebration of his 100th birthday. Earlier, in October 2024, he received treatment for a respiratory infection. These incidents add to his lengthy medical history, which includes heart bypass surgeries in 1989 and 2007.

Despite his health challenges and age, Mahathir remains an influential figure in Malaysia’s political arena. Renowned for his tenacity, he is still actively involved in national matters and is working to unite opposition factions in challenging Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The longstanding rivalry between Mahathir and Anwar, stemming from differing political ideologies and leadership approaches, has significantly shaped Malaysia’s political scene for decades, continuing to impact public discourse in the nation’s diverse society.

Mahathir, who holds the record as Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister, led the country for 22 years in his first term from 1981 to 2003. His time in office is notably marked by rapid economic growth amid ongoing discussions about governance, power dynamics, and corruption allegations.