DOCTORS have given Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong a clean bill of health but have advised him to take a week-long break after the leader suddenly fell ill during his National Day Rally speech on Sunday.
The Prime Minister’s office on Monday said Lee will be on medical leave until Aug 29.
The Straits Times reported that Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean will stand in for the 64-year-old Lee while he is away.
SEE ALSO: Brief scare as Singapore PM falls ill mid-speech at National Day Rally
The PM’s office said doctors confirmed that Lee did not have any cardiac abnormalities and did not suffer from a stroke. It is understood that Lee faced a temporary drop in blood pressure due to prolonged standing, exhaustion, and dehydration, the paper reported.
On Facebook, Lee expressed his gratitude to those who showed concerned and offered him well wishes.
“I’m sorry I didn’t have the chance to meet you all after the Rally, as I went straight to the Singapore General Hospital for a thorough checkup. I’m glad to report that the doctors think I am ok, but they have advised me to rest, so I will be on MC for this week,” he said.
“As I said in my speech last night, Heng Swee Keat will resume his duties as Minister for Finance and Minister Lawrence Wong will help him out as Second Minister for Finance.”
Lee, who was speaking at the ITE College Central auditorium for the National Day Rally on Sunday, caused a scare when he suddenly trailed off mid-speech, looking ill as he trembled and held on to the rostrum for support.
The event was immediately stopped at 9.20pm but the prime minister returned to the stage at about 10.40pm for another 15 minutes where he received a standing ovation.
From the medical tests underwent at the Singapore General Hospital, Lee showed no signs of ailment.
The post Singapore: PM Lee put on week-long medical leave after taking ill during speech appeared first on Asian Correspondent.
