Former Malaysian premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad flew in to Jakarta today to visit Indonesia's ailing ex-leader Suharto, who is fighting for life in hospital after suffering multiple organ failure.

Mahathir, 82, was a contemporary of Suharto during the Indonesian president's more than three decades of iron-fisted rule and the two have maintained a friendship. He did not speak to the press at the hospital.

Former state secretary and Suharto's confidant Murdiono told reporters that Mahathir and his wife, along with the deputy Malaysian ambassador, were allowed into the patient's room.

"Mahathir talked to Pak Harto. He said several times, near Suharto's ear: 'Mahathir has come,'" he said, adding that Mahathir shook one of his hands. Pak Harto is an affectionate name given to the former leader.

"I saw that Mahathir and his wife also had time to pray," Murdiono said.

The head of the team of doctors treating Suharto Mardjo Soebandiono said one of Suharto's daughters had reported that the two leaders cried during their meeting, which occurred while Suharto was awake.

"Pak Harto has been able to shed tears. Pak Harto shed tears. Mr. Mahathir also shed tears," he said.

The doctor said Suharto was sedated after Mahathir left.

Kuan Yew came too

Mahathir's visit came a day after Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew - another octogenarian - jetted in to see his old friend as he remained under sedation.

Doctors said today that they were surprised by Suharto's will to live and that he remained in a critical condition but had improved, showing signs of consciousness when his medication was reduced.

Mahathir, who underwent heart bypass surgery for the second time last year, last paid a visit to Suharto in 2006 when he was in town to deliver a speech.

The Malaysian leader resigned in 2003 after 22 years in power.

Suharto has lived largely as a recluse at his residence since his 1998 ouster, escaping criminal prosecution for alleged massive corruption on grounds of ill health.