KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran journalist Tan Sri Samad Ismail is being treated for breathing difficulties at the Pantai Medical Centre here.

The former New Straits Times editorial adviser and columnist is in stable condition and breathing on his own.

His daughter, Nuraina, a former New Straits Times deputy chief news editor, said his blood infection was under control and that he was being fed through a stomach tube.

The Tokoh Wartawan Negara, or Pak Samad to the media fraternity, was admitted on Sunday.

"Although he is still weak, the doctors have said that he is getting stronger."
Nuraina has been posting updates on her father's condition on her blog nursamad.blogspot.com.

She said doctors only allowed close relatives to visit him.