Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad was admitted to Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) this morning for minor surgery to remove nasal polyps.

The medical team, led by PPUKM Consultant ENT Surgeon Dr Abdullah Sani Mohamed, performed an hour-long surgery beginning 9.30am.

He is currently under observation in the normal ward, according to a statement by his aide Sufi Yusoff.

He is expected to remain in hospital for the next few days.

Visits are currently limited to family members.

Mahathir stepped down as prime minister in 2003 after 22 years in power and remains an influential figure. He often speaks out on politics and other current issues.

In May last year, he was hospitalised at the National Heart Institute for treatment of a chest infection.

In October 2010, a similar chest infection saw him hospitalised in Melbourne.

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

- Agencies