SINGAPORE (9News): According to report from Channels News Asia online news portal, Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong was delivering his National Day Rally speech on Sunday (Aug 21) at ITE College Central when he suddenly started feeling dizzy. The prime Minister was rushed to a medical facility where he received emergency medical attention.
As at press report, Channels News Asia reported that the Prime Minister has recovered from the illness and has resumed his speech.
Channel News Asia Report:
PM Lee took ill while speaking at National Day Rally: PMO
The National Day Rally 2016 has been temporarily suspended. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO),Mr Lee took ill while speaking and the medical team is attending to him right now. “They assess that his condition is not serious,” PMO said, adding it will update in due course.
PM Lee will return to conclude his speech : DPM Teo Chee Hean
According to Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, PM Lee told him to convey the message that he will conclude his speech later.
“Don’t worry too much”: DPM Tharman Shanmugaratnam
In an interview, Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is “alright” and that he was “feeling a little faint”.
He said that Mr Lee has had a gruelling schedule recently, but that this was just a “little blip”.
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PM’s heart is fine, did not have stroke: PMO
In a latest update, the PMO said Mr Lee was feeling unsteady because of “prolonged standing, heat and dehydration”.
“His heart is fine and he did not have a stroke,” the PMO added. Mr Lee is expected to resume his speech at 10.40pm.
PM’s heart is fine, did not have stroke: PMO
In a latest update, the PMO said Mr Lee was feeling unsteady because of “prolonged standing, heat and dehydration”.
“His heart is fine and he did not have a stroke,” the PMO added. Mr Lee is expected to resume his speech at 10.40pm.
PM Lee resumes his speech
“Thank you for waiting, I gave everybody a scare,” Prime Minister Lee resuming his speech to a standing ovation from the audience.
He touches on leadership succession, referencing the stroke that Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat sufferedduring a Cabinet meeting. He announced the appointment of National Development Minister Lawrence Wong as the 2nd Finance Minister to help Mr Heng with the ministry.
He added that Mr Heng will progressively resume his duties as Finance Minister, and DPM Tharman will stop covering as Acting Minister.
More on succession planning, Singapore’s future
PM Lee said his successor must be ready to take over from him soon after the next General Election.
Concluding his speech, he said the example of national swimmer Joseph Schooling, who won the country’s first-ever Olympics gold medal, will inspire many more to make their dreams come true.
Can things gets better after SG50? “Answer is resounding yes,” Mr Lee said.
