Former Malaysian PM Mahathir hospitalized for chest infections

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has been hospitalized for a chest infection, local media reported Monday. Media reports quoted a statement from Mahathir's office as saying that Malaysia's longest serving Prime Minister had been admitted to the General Ward of the National Heart Institute after diagnosed with a chest infection. According to the statement, Mahathir is currently undergoing treatment and chest physiotherapy, and the medical team "is satisfied with his progress." Mahathir suffered a chest infection after a heart bypass operation in 2007. He was hospitalized for another chest infection in 2010. The 88-year-old Mahathir remains vocal on various issues and holds considerable sway in the ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO) after stepping down in 2003 following 22 years in office.