KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 14, 2024 (BSS/Xinhua) - Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has been hospitalized, local media reported on Wednesday.

 Mahathir is being treated for an undisclosed infection at the National Heart Institute, his press spokesman said in a statement on Tuesday.

 As a result of the hospitalization, Mahathir is also unable to attend a court proceeding relating to his lawsuit involving current Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, with the judge setting July 19 for the continuation of proceedings.

 The 98-year-old has been in and out of hospital in recent years having a history of heart problems and has undergone bypass surgeries.