Ex-Malaysian PM Mahathir hospitalized with respiratory infection

99-year-old former leader on medical leave until Oct. 25, aide says

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Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaks at Nikkei's Future of Asia forum in Tokyo in May. (Photo by Mizuho Miyazaki)

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -- Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has been admitted to hospital for a respiratory infection, his office said on Wednesday after media reported the ex-premier missed a court hearing in a defamation case he has lodged.

The 99-year-old Mahathir, who served as prime minister for more than two decades, has a history of heart problems and has undergone bypass surgeries. He has been in and out of hospital in recent years, and was last hospitalized in July.

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