MELBOURNE, Saturday 2 October 2010 (Bernama) -- Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was admitted to a hospital here last night for "flu and cough."

He is currently resting at the Epworth Hospital.

In an SMS reply, Dr Mahathir's special officer Sufi Yusof confirmed that the former prime minister was admitted to the hospital for observation due to flu and cough.

Dr Mahathir, 85, arrived here a few days ago to address a seminar on human development organised by the Australia Melbourne Umno Club at the University of Melbourne today.

He was scheduled to share his opinion and idea on the topic "Are We Ready for 1Malaysia: Does Race Still Play A Part?"

At the start of the seminar, the emcee announced that Dr Mahathir was unable to attend the event which he (Dr Mahathir) was looking forward to and disappointed that he was unable to do so.

He had asked International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed to address the seminar on his behalf.

Dr Mahathir underwent coronary bypass surgery at the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital in January 1989 and a second such operation at the National Heart Institute in September 2007.

Despite his age, Dr Mahathir, who is advisor to Malaysian national car maker Proton and national oil corporation Petronas, often travels abroad to attend international conferences as he remains a highly sought-after speaker at both local and international events. (By NEVILLE D'CRUZ/Bernama)