KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Former Malaysian prime minister
Mahathir Mohamad was in hospital Wednesday after testing positive for
coronavirus for the first time.

"Mahathir has only mild symptoms of the Covid infection," an aide told AFP on
condition of anonymity.

A Wednesday statement from the former premier's office said he "tested
positive for Covid-19 this morning".

Mahathir has been admitted to the National Heart Institute for "observation
for the next few days", it added.

The 97-year-old veteran politician has been actively touring the country in
recent weeks to beef up support for his new political party amid speculation
that snap polls could be held before the end of the year.

Mahathir was previously admitted in December and January for several days,
for a check-up in the cardiac care unit.

He has had numerous heart problems over the years, suffering several heart
attacks and undergoing bypass surgery.

Mahathir is one of Malaysia's dominant political figures, having served twice
as prime minister for a total of 24 years.

He was leader from 1981 to 2003, then returned to power in 2018 at the age of
92, heading a reformist coalition.

But that administration collapsed in 2020 due to infighting.