Doctors Rule Out Hip Surgery for Dr Mahathir Due to Age, Says Mukhriz

Doctors have ruled out hip surgery for former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad following a recent fracture, citing the risks associated with his advanced age, according to his son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.

The decision comes after Dr Mahathir, who recently turned 100, sustained a hip fracture following a fall at his home. He was subsequently admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) for observation and treatment. While the injury has been described as serious, family members have stressed that it is not life-threatening and that he remains stable and conscious.

Speaking in a recorded statement, Mukhriz said medical specialists advised against surgical intervention after assessing his father’s overall condition. At his age, major surgery carries significant risks, including complications during and after the procedure. As a result, doctors recommended a conservative, non-surgical approach focused on rest, pain management, and close monitoring.

The choice to avoid surgery reflects a broader medical principle often applied to centenarian patients, where quality of life, recovery prospects, and surgical risk are weighed more heavily than aggressive intervention. In Dr Mahathir’s case, specialists determined that the potential harm of surgery outweighed the expected benefits.

Dr Mahathir is expected to remain hospitalised for several weeks as doctors monitor his recovery and mobility. Rehabilitation efforts will likely focus on stabilisation and gradual movement, rather than corrective surgical measures. Family members have requested privacy during this period while thanking the public for their concern and well-wishes.

Over the years, Dr Mahathir has been known for his remarkable stamina and discipline, maintaining an active routine well into his later years. His current condition, however, serves as a reminder of the physical vulnerabilities that come with extreme age, even for someone long regarded as exceptionally resilient.

For now, the emphasis remains on rest and careful medical supervision. While surgery has been ruled out, doctors are optimistic that with proper care, Dr Mahathir can recover comfortably without undergoing a high-risk procedure.