Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has revealed a frightening moment earlier this year when he suddenly lost control of his right leg and fell during a walking exercise. The incident, which occurred in January, resulted in serious injuries and required immediate medical attention.
The former Langkawi MP said the unexpected fall caused a fracture to his hip as well as a head injury, prompting his admission to the National Heart Institute. The episode has once again drawn public concern over his health, given his age and recent medical history.
In a video shared on social media on Tuesday, Dr Mahathir recounted how his right leg suddenly “lost power”, causing him to collapse without warning. He described the pain as intense and difficult to endure, adding that the impact affected both his hip bone and joint area.
Doctors at IJN reportedly struggled initially to manage his pain, which he described as severe in the early days following the fall. Although the discomfort gradually eased after several days, he said the pain lingered for some time during his recovery process.
The veteran leader, who had previously spent several months receiving treatment at IJN before being discharged in March, said the injury occurred at the joint connecting the leg to the hip. Such injuries, particularly among elderly individuals, often require extended recovery periods and careful rehabilitation.
After three months, Dr Mahathir shared that his condition has improved and he is now able to stand again. However, he admitted that he still faces difficulty in fully controlling the movement of his leg, describing the sensation as if it were “not there”.
Despite the challenges, his gradual recovery signals progress, though continued rehabilitation will likely be necessary to restore mobility and strength.
