Dr Mahathir Mohamad is responding well to medication at the Epworth Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, where he is warded since yesterday for treatment of chest infection.

"The doctors are happy with his progress and he is responding well to the antibiotics given and to physiotherapy," his office said in a statement issued here today.

This morning, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Mukhriz Mahathir visited his father and had breakfast with him and his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali at the hospital.

"Doctors have advised Dr Mahathir to continue resting and he will continue to be kept under observation at the hospital's general ward for the next few days.

"Dr Mahathir and Dr Siti Hasmah also convey their 'salam' and appreciation to all who have prayed and wished him well and speedy recovery, " the statement said.

Accompanied by his wife, Dr Mahathir arrived here on Thursday to address a seminar on human development organised by the Australia Melbourne Umno Club at the University of Melbourne yesterday.

- Bernama