KUALA LUMPUR (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who has been admitted to the National Heart Institute with a chest infection, is recovering.

In a statement, the institute said that the 92-year-old Pakatan Harapan chairman was being treated in the general ward following a bad bout of cough.

"Dr Mahathir will be warded for a few days to allow for treatment and observation. Visits are only for close family members," it said.

His daughter Marina Mahathir tweeted a picture of her visiting him at the National Heart Institute and sitting on a couch smiling.

"Went to visit Dad this morning. He's good, just needs some rest. He'll be back to kick some butts again soon!" she tweeted.

The former Malaysian prime minister and now opposition leader was supposed to be at a Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia programme in Bentong on Saturday (Feb 10) but cancelled his appearance the night before following doctors' advice.

Among those who sent their greetings was Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein who said he prayed for Dr Mahathir's speedy recovery before the general election.

On Facebook, netizen Colin Choong urged Dr Mahathir to take time off to relax and recharge before going back to politics.

"God bless you with a good and speedy recovery. We are looking forward to seeing you," said another netizen Lee Sophia.