JAKARTA, Jan 14: Former Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad flew to Jakarta on Monday and paid an emotional visit to Indonesia’s ailing ex-leader Suharto, who is fighting for his life in hospital. Mahathir, 82, was a contemporary of Suharto’s during the Indonesian president’s more than three decades of iron-fisted rule and the two have maintained a friendship. He did not speak to the press at the hospital.

Former state secretary and Suharto confidant Murdiono told reporters that Mahathir and his wife, along with the deputy Malaysian ambassador, were allowed into Suharto’s room.

“Mahathir talked to Pak Harto. He said several times, near Suharto’s ear: ‘Mahathir has come’,” he said, adding that Mahathir shook one of his hands. Pak Harto is an affectionate name given to the former leader.

“I saw that Mahathir and his wife also had time to pray,” Murdiono said.

The head of the team of doctors treating Suharto Mardjo Soebandiono said one of Suharto’s daughters had reported that the two leaders cried during their meeting, which occurred while Suharto was awake.

“Pak Harto has been able to shed tears.—AFP