DR Mahathir Mohamad today thanked National Heart Institute (IJN) experts and external medical specialists for treating him in January.

The former prime minister said due to their treatment and IJN staff care, his health is now restored.

“To me, this is a miracle; I did not expect to live,” he said on his official YouTube channel today.

“I expected to die as I am old and suffering from serious diseases affecting… first my heart. When the heart is weak, it affects the lungs; when the lungs are weak, it affects the kidneys and so on.

“But somehow, the doctors turned me around and eventually, I was discharged and am quite well. Not 100%, but enough to continue with the little work that I have to do.”

Dr Mahathir said this is something to be proud of as Malaysians need not travel abroad for treatment now because the country has doctors who can treat serious illnesses.

“As you know, I am trained as a doctor. When I started practice in the late 50s and early 60s, there were ‘slot khas’ for Malaysian doctors, especially Malay doctors.

“At the time, they were known as assistant medical officers… no Asian can become a full medical officer… because there was no faith in Malaysian doctors.

“I fully believe that we can do what others can do. During my time (as prime minister), I used to say that Malaysia can… we are competent.”

The Langkawi MP looked energetic and healthy in the eight-minute video.

He was admitted to IJN on January 7, and underwent an elective medical procedure the day after. He was discharged on January 13, but readmitted and finally discharged on February 5. – Bernama, March 29, 2022.