Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Malaysian PM Abdullah Visits Ex-Leader Mahathir At Heart Hospital: Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, were at the National Heart Institute (IJN) here Wednesday to visit Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who had regained consciousness after undergoing coronary by-pass surgery.

However, they did not get to see the former prime minister because he was in the intensive care unit (ICU) and only close family members were allowed in, Dr Mahathir's son, Datuk Mokhzani said.

Abdullah and Jean arrived at IJN at 5.10pm, about one-and-a-half hours after Dr Mahathir regained consciousness. He underwent surgery Tuesday.

They spent about 30 minutes talking to the family members and were briefed on Dr Mahathir's condition.

"He met my mother (Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali) and all the doctors who operated on Tun were there. The prime minister was briefed in detail and given the latest information," he told reporters at the IJN lobby.

Mokhzani said his father regained consciousness at 3.30pm with Tun Dr Siti Hasmah at his side.

"My father said something but you will have to ask him when he talks to the press later," he said, laughing.

He said his father was recovering very well and had spoken to all the family members and had been asking the doctors what happened during the surgery and what they did.

"Tan Sri Yahya (Awang, who led the surgical team) has given him a rundown on what he went through and he wanted to see all the doctors and nurses involved in the surgery," he added.

Mokzani said his father thanked them individually and spoke to them although he had to use the oxygen mask from time to time.

He said Dr Mahathir was expected to remain in the ICU until the end of the week on the advice of the doctors.

Mohkzani, on the behalf of the family, thanked all those who had sent their prayers and good wishes.(BERNAMA)


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