Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was admitted to the Langkawi Hospital after complaining of breathing difficulty, was flown to Kuala Lumpur on a special aircraft this afternoon for further treatment at the National Heart Institute (IJN).

According to Bernama , his press officer Sufi Yusoff said Mahathir had responded positively to the treatment provided by a group of doctors from IJN and the Langkawi and Alor Star hospitals.

"The decision to transfer Mahathir... was made after doctors were satisfied at his positive rate of progress to treatment," said Sufi.

Dr Mahathir - who arrived in Langkawi yesterday with his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamed Ali, for a two-day private visit - was driven to the hospital by his private physician, Dr Nasir Muda, after he complained of breathing difficulty and was warded in the intensive care unit.

"He is okay and he is very fine and is recovering well," Mahathir's son, Mokhzani Mahathir, told reporters.

"He spoke to the family members and told us that he was hungry."

Mokhzani said a team of doctors had done a thorough check-up on Mahathir, including an X-ray and heart tests, and would release a statement later.

"He will be here for a few more days and he thanked everybody for their concerns and their prayers," Mokhzani said.

Scuffles broke out between photographers and hospital security staff, who did not allow any pictures of Mahathir to be taken as he was brought into the clinic.

Reaction from Pak Lah

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who arrived in Langkawi on Monday for two days of informal talks with his Singaporean counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong, said he hoped Mahathir's condition will improve.

"I hope he will be looked after and gets good treatment," Abdullah told reporters in Langkawi.

The National Heart Institute said Mahathir, who was admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU), is "awake and conscious" and has had a meal.

"He remained stable with no breathing difficulties and will be monitored in CCU," the hospital said in a statement.

Visits to the former premier are limited to close family members only on doctors' advice, it said.

Earlier today, an aide, who asked not to be identified, said Mahathir was "calm, relaxed and cheerful," and in stable condition.

The former leader suffered a mild stroke last November which was triggered by a clot that restricted blood flow in one of his arteries.

He also suffered a heart attack in 1989 and had bypass surgery.

Mahathir retired from office in 2003 after 22 years in power, handing over to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, whom he has since accused of nepotism and corruption.