Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was taken ill while in Australia, arrived at the Subang International Airport in Petaling Jaya at 8.25pm tonight.

Accompanied by his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Mahathir had left Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne, Australia on a special flight at 1pm Malaysian time.

Among those who welcomed him at the airport were his former religious advisor Dr Abdul Hamid Othman, Proton chairman Nadzmi Salleh, Proton chief executive officer (CEO) Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir and close family members.

Mahathir was then seen leaving the airport’s tarmac in a car escorted by six others for his home at the Mines, Seri Kembangan.

Also seen at the airport compound were some 80 supporters of the Barisan Nasional and Malay rights non-governmental organisation Perkasa who had gathered at the airport since 7pm to welcome the former prime minister.

   

While passing the supporters, Mahathir was seen opening the window of the car and smiling and waving at them.

Last Saturday, he was admitted to the Epsworth Hospital in Melbourne for a chest infection.

He was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday and subsquently rested at a hotel in Melborune before leaving for home today.

 He had been scheduled to give a talk to Malaysian students in Melbourne last Saturday but it had to be called off after he fell sick.

- Bernama