TUN Dr Mahathir Mohamad has apologised for having to leave a birthday celebration event early on Sunday, citing fatigue during the outdoor gathering held in his honour at Tasik Putrajaya.
The former prime minister, who turned 100 on 10 July, had arrived at the event around 7.45am and was seen in good spirits as he cycled around the lake. However, he began to show signs of exhaustion not long after and was unable to attend the cake-cutting session or mingle with attendees.
Dr Mahathir was later taken to the National Heart Institute (IJN) for a medical check-up and was discharged the same afternoon.
“I apologise for not being able to stay on at the picnic yesterday. I was too tired, and the doctor advised me to go to the hospital,” he said in a short video message on Monday.
“So, I went – but only briefly – and then returned home. I feel better now and have resumed my normal routine. I hope everyone understands, and I apologise once again.”
The “Picnic & Potluck” event was organised to mark both Dr Mahathir’s 100th birthday and the 99th birthday of his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, who was born on 12 July. - July 14, 2025
