Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was released from hospital today after recovering from a heart attack.

He was discharged after responding satisfactorily to treatment but would continue with a rehabilitation programme, the hospital said in a statement.

The 81-year-old was admitted to the National Heart Institute in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, after the heart attack, his second, caused him breathing difficulties.

"I'm fine, thank you. I'm well enough to be released from hospital," Mahathir told AFP by telephone ahead of his release, sounding cheerful and in good spirits.

"I'm going to have lots and lots of rest. I'm not going to be doing anything too active for the next two days," he said.

Warded for nine days

The elder statesman was admitted to hospital in Langkawi on May 14 after complaining of breathing difficulties while on holiday.

He was transferred to the heart institute the next day and was warded for nine days.

Mahathir previously suffered a heart attack in 1989 and had bypass surgery. He also had a mild stroke in November last year.

He retired from office in 2003 after 22 years in power, handing over to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Mahathir has since become an outspoken critic of his successor, whom he has accused of nepotism and corruption.