Mahathir's Hip Fracture: Doctors Opt for Recovery Over Surgery

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, aged 100, has been advised against surgical intervention following a hip fracture. This decision was communicated by his son, Mukhriz Mahathir, in a video message released Wednesday.

The political icon was admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday after a fall during his usual morning exercise. Initial medical evaluations confirmed the hip fracture. However, doctors determined that surgery would pose significant risks due to his age.

Mukhriz stated that instead of surgery, his father will receive close medical monitoring and is projected to remain hospitalized for two to three weeks for recovery and rehabilitation.

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

In the past two years, Mahathir has been hospitalized multiple times, including last July after feeling exhausted from a private picnic celebrating his centenary. He also received treatment for a respiratory infection in October 2024. These hospitalizations add to his extensive medical history, which includes heart bypass surgeries in 1989 and 2007.

Despite facing health challenges, Mahathir remains a significant figure in Malaysia’s political scene, known for his determination. Recently, he has been focused on uniting opposition parties against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The political rivalry between Mahathir and Anwar has been long-standing, deeply rooted in differing ideologies and leadership approaches, shaping the nation’s political landscape for decades while impacting discussions within Malaysia's diverse society.

Mahathir is recognized as Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister, holding office for 22 years in his initial term from 1981 to 2003. His tenure is noted for rapid economic growth, yet it sparked ongoing debates about governance, power dynamics, and corruption allegations.