This file photo taken on Aug. 7, 2019, shows Mahathir Mohamad. (Mainichi/Toyokazu Tsumura)

       SINGAPORE (Kyodo) -- Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has successfully undergone an elective medical procedure at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur, the hospital said Sunday.

       The surgery came after the 96-year-old was admitted to the National Heart Institute on Friday. He is expected to be discharged in the next few days, though the hospital did not elaborate on details about the procedure.

       Mahathir, who was premier twice, has had many health scares in the past. He had his first heart bypass in 1989 and the second one in 2007. He also spent a week at the same hospital last month for a series of medical checks and was discharged on Dec. 23.

       Mahathir first assumed power in 1981 and became the longest-serving prime minister when he retired 22 years later in 2003.

       In 2018, he joined forces with the opposition and stunningly dethroned the long-ruling National Front coalition.

       He made history by becoming the prime minister for a second time at 92. However, his tenure was brief as his government collapsed in less than two years due to political defections.

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