DR MAHATHIR ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL IN MELBOURNE

From Neville D'Cruz

MELBOURNE, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was admitted to a hospital here last night for "flu and cough".

He is currently resting at the Epworth Hospital.

In an SMS reply, Dr Mahathir's special officer Sufi Yusof confirmed that the
former prime minister was admitted to the hospital for observation due to flu
and cough.

Dr Mahathir, 85, arrived here a few days ago to address a seminar on human
development organised by the Australia Melbourne Umno Club at the University of
Melbourne Saturday. Umno or United Malays National Organisation is Malaysia's
largest political party and a founding member of the ruling Barisan Nasional
(National Front) coalition.

He was scheduled to share his opinion and idea on the topic "Are We Ready
for 1Malaysia: Does Race Still Play A Part?"
(1Malaysia is a guiding principle to build a united and progressive nation
in the 21st Century by inculcating the spirit and values of togetherness and
sense of belonging, regardless of race, religion and creed.)

At the start of the seminar, the emcee announced that Dr Mahathir was unable
to attend the event which he (Dr Mahathir) was looking forward to and
disappointed that he was unable to do so.

He had asked International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed
to address the seminar on his behalf.

Dr Mahathir underwent coronary bypass surgery at the Kuala Lumpur General
Hospital in January 1989 and a second such operation at the National Heart
Institute in September 2007.

Despite his age, Dr Mahathir, who is advisor to Malaysian national car maker
Proton and national oil corporation Petronas, often travels abroad to attend
international conferences as he remains a highly sought-after speaker at both
local and international events.
-- BERNAMA