Dr M tests negative for Covid-19

PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has tested negative for Covid-19, but assures Malaysians that he will still follow the protocol of observing a 14-day quarantine.

According to a close aide, the 95-year-old statesman's result has been cleared by health authorities after it tested negative.

“The test came out negative. He has been cleared, ” said the aide when contacted on Sunday (March 22).

It was learnt that Dr Mahathir had come into close contact with Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, who is being treated at the Sarawak General Hospital.

The aide said Dr Mahathir had done the test on March 17.

“However, he will still follow the protocol of observing the 14-day quarantine, ” added the aide.

In an exclusive clip shared with TV3's Buletin Utama on Thursday (March 19), the former prime minister explained his experience being self quarantined.

“I adhere (to the need for self-quarantine), it is very important to overcome this matter.

“We must be disciplined and be willing to quarantined for 14 days, to minimise the risk of spreading the virus to others.

“I cannot go out, meet with anyone or shake hands, but Alhamdulillah, it’s not so hard for me to do, ” he said.

On his Instagram handle @chedetofficial on the same day, he posted a picture of himself with a quote reminding people to take precautionary measures and not to take the virus lightly.

“Stay safe everyone. We will get through this together. #DudukRumah (stay home), ” he added.