Mahathir Mohamad Discloses Loss of Leg Control After Serious Fall
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has revealed that he lost control of his limbs after suffering a severe fall earlier this year, describing the sensation as akin to having no legs. The veteran leader, who turned 100 last year, opened up about the incident in a podcast shared on his Instagram page on Tuesday, detailing the significant injuries that required extensive medical treatment.
Details of the Fall and Injuries
Mr Mahathir stated that the fall occurred on 6 January, resulting in a hip fracture and a head injury. He explained, "I just lost control of my legs before I fell," highlighting the sudden nature of the mishap. The fracture was located at the joint between the leg bone and the hip, causing intense pain that persisted for several days before gradually lessening.
He underwent treatment for over three months before being discharged in March, during which time his extended hospital stay sparked major public concern across Malaysia. Despite the recovery efforts, Mr Mahathir noted that while he has regained the ability to stand, controlling his leg movements remains a challenge. "My leg has healed and I can stand. But I still can't control my legs. It feels like I don't have legs," he said, underscoring the ongoing impact on his mobility.
Mahathir's Health and Lifestyle
Known for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Mr Mahathir has previously attributed his longevity to habits such as not smoking, avoiding overeating, and keeping his brain active through exercise. Although he has a history of heart disease, requiring two bypass surgeries, he has emphasised that staying mentally and physically active has been key to his vitality.
In a statement last year, he reflected on his approach to life: "I've always been active. I can't understand people wanting to rest. I mean, you take a holiday, you do something, you go on a holiday that's doing something. But some people retire, and they want to rest. What is the meaning of rest? You do nothing?" He added, "So long as I can function, I want to function. I want to behave almost as if I'm not getting old. I try to live the same life I lived when I was younger. I work, I come to the office, I attend functions and all that. And I think being active is what keeps me alive."
After reaching his centennial birthday, Mr Mahathir expressed gratitude for not being afflicted by a fatal disease, describing the milestone as just a "normal day" and noting, "I didn't make an effort to live this long, but I look after my health."
Political Legacy and Context
Mr Mahathir served as Malaysia's prime minister from 1981 to 2002 and again from 2018 to 2020. During his first term, he is credited with transforming Malaysia into a modern economy, though his leadership style later faced criticism for alleged stifling political control and silencing dissent. In a notable political comeback, he emerged from retirement in 2018 to challenge his former party over a multibillion-dollar corruption scandal, forming an alliance with old foes to secure a landmark election victory.
This health update comes amid ongoing public interest in his condition, reflecting his enduring influence in Malaysian politics and society.
