Mukhriz Mahathir, son of Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia's former prime minister, disclosed that his 100-year-old father will not undergo surgery for his fractured right hip following a fall at home, due to the high risks associated with his advanced age. Instead, he will follow standard rehabilitation procedures.
The incident took place last Tuesday (6 Jan). Mukhriz stated that Dr. Mahathir fell inside his residence after completing his usual morning walk. He was then taken by ambulance to the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur, fully conscious, where examinations confirmed a fracture of the right hip.
In a video circulated among political supporters, Mukhriz said, "Considering his age of 100 years, surgery is not a favorable option. Medical specialists have therefore recommended standard rehabilitation methods, which may take some time. The goal is to restore his health so he can continue his duties as he has always done."
Marina, Dr. Mahathir’s daughter, told Bernama news agency that her father’s injury is "serious but not life-threatening," adding, "At 100 years old, falls or fractures are always unfortunate and require time for recovery."
Dr. Mahathir has undergone multiple heart bypass surgeries in the past and was recently hospitalized for fatigue following his 100th birthday celebration in July. He is a prominent statesman who served as Malaysia’s prime minister twice (1981–2003 and 2018–2020), notably becoming the world's oldest elected head of government at age 94 during his second term.
The family has requested the public to respect Dr. Mahathir’s privacy to allow him to rest and recover fully over the coming weeks.
/sourceAFP