Malaysia ex-PM Mahathir in hospital: Aide

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Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was admitted to hospital on Wednesday for a chest infection, his aide said.

"He was feeling ill this morning and so he was admitted to the National Heart Institute at 6.00 AM. His condition is stable and he is presently resting," Sufi Yusoff, press secretary to Mahathir, told AFP.

"Doctors say that he has a chest infection and he is expected to be in hospital for about a week," he added.

Mahathir retired in 2003 after 22 years in power. He remains an influential figure in Malaysian politics, and often speaks up on current issues.

Last October, Mahathir was admitted to a Melbourne hospital for a similar chest infection after cancelling a scheduled appearance at seminar in the Australian city.

He has undergone two coronary bypass surgeries, one in 1989 and the latest in 2007.