PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) has been admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) again, after a recent week-long stay at the hospital.

       The IJN said in a brief statement that the Langkawi MP was admitted yesterday for an elective medical procedure.

       “Due to current standard operating procedure, no visitors are allowed to visit Dr Mahathir,” the statement added.

       It did not disclose the medical procedure or when it would be carried out.

       Dr Mahathir, 96, who is also Parti Pejuang Tanah Air chairman, was admitted to IJN for a full check-up on Dec 16.

       He was discharged on Dec 23 after undergoing a series of medical investigations, IJN had said.

       “Tun Dr Mahathir and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah (Mohamad Ali) express their thanks to everyone for their concern and prayers over the last one week when Dr Mahathir was admitted to IJN,” it said in a statement then on behalf of the veteran leader and his wife.

       Dr Mahathir performed two stints as Malaysia’s chief executive: for 22 years between 1981 and 2003; and 22 months between 2018 and 2020.