KUALA LUMPUR - FORMER Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad, 82, underwent heart-bypass surgery on Tuesday and is recovering in intensive care, a relative said.

It was the second heart bypass for Dr Mahathir, the country's longest-serving premier, and followed two heart attacks over the past 10 months. He had heart surgery in 1989 while in office.

'He is already conscious,' sister-in-law Saleha Ali told reporters outside the Kuala Lumpur hospital where he was operated on by a team of surgeons, including a US specialist.

Asked if she was happy with his recovery, she added: 'We are praying, we are leaving it to god.'

The hospital, a specialist heart clinic set up after Mahathir's first bypass, declined immediate comment.

Dr Mahathir, who ruled for 22 years before retiring in late 2003, spent several hours in the operating theatre as his family and closest supporters held prayers for him.

Dr Mahathir remains an influential political figure, even though he has fallen out with his hand-chosen successor, Mr Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, over policy changes made since his retirement. -- REUTERS