Former Malaysian prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was admitted to a hospital in Melbourne last night for treatment of a chest infection.

He is currently at the Epworth Hospital's general ward for antibiotics treatment and physiotherapy.

Mahathir's special officer Sufi Yusof had earlier the former prime minister was admitted to the hospital for observation as he was suffering from flu and cough.

"Dr Mahathir's condition is stable and he has been advised to rest. He is expected to be in hospital for a few days for observation," his office said in a statement released in Kuala Lumpur.

Accompanied by his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Mahathir, 85, arrived in Melbourne 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 opinions and ideas on the topic "Are We Ready for 1Malaysia: Does Race Still Play A Part?"

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

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

Mustapa, when met at the seminar, said Dr Mahathir was resting well. "Tun (Mahathir) needs rest and he is going to be fine," he said.

Dr Mahathir's son, who is the deputy minister of international trade and industry, was expected to arrive here tomorrow to join

his father, he said.

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, 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.

- Bernama