Dr Mahathir absent from SG4 forum due to health issues, Mokhzani reads keynote

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was unable to attend the SG4 Business and Economic Forum 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today due to health reasons. — Picture via Facebook/Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad

First Published: Monday, 26 Oct 2026 3:32 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 — Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was unable to attend the SG4 Business and Economic Forum 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today due to health reasons.

His son, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, said the 101-year-old statesman had prepared his keynote speech and intended to deliver it himself, but had been feeling unwell in recent weeks, Berita Harian (BH) reported.

“He worked hard on this speech and very much wanted to deliver it himself. Unfortunately, his health has not been at its best lately, and I am honoured that he asked me to present this keynote address on his behalf,” Mokhzani said when delivering the speech at the forum.

Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir was also present.

In the speech read by his son, Dr Mahathir apologised for his absence and said he had yet to make a full recovery, although he was grateful to still be able to share his views with participants through the prepared text.

No further details about his condition were disclosed.

Dr Mahathir, who serves as an adviser to SG4, had been scheduled to deliver a special address at the forum.