Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, will pursue non-surgical treatment for a hip fracture sustained during a fall at his residence. The medical decision was confirmed by his son Mukhriz Mahathir on Wednesday, citing advanced age as the primary factor against surgical intervention.
The incident occurred Tuesday when the veteran statesman fell inside his home following his routine brisk walking exercise. He was transported conscious via ambulance to Kuala Lumpur’s National Heart Institute, where physicians diagnosed a fracture to his right hip.
Medical specialists have recommended a comprehensive rehabilitation protocol instead of surgical options, acknowledging the heightened risks associated with invasive procedures for centenarian patients. The recovery process is expected to require several weeks of hospitalization for treatment and observation.
Mukhriz Mahathir stated via a video message distributed through his political party’s communications: ‘Considering his remarkable age of 100 years, surgical intervention presents substantial challenges. The medical team has advised a standardized rehabilitation approach that will necessitate considerable time.’
The family expressed gratitude for the public’s concern while respectfully requesting privacy during the recovery period. Daughter Marina Mahathir provided reassurance through national media, characterizing the injury as ‘serious but not dangerous,’ while acknowledging the particular severity of fractures at extreme advanced age.
Mahathir Mohamad’s medical history includes previous cardiac bypass procedures. The nonagenarian leader made history as the world’s oldest elected official during his second premiership from 2018-2020, following his initial landmark tenure from 1981-2003 that transformed Malaysia’s economic landscape.