Singapore Prime Minister must take a week of sick leave

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be on sick leave until August 29 after suddenly feeling dizzy while delivering a speech on the evening of August 21.

Mr. Lee Hsien Loong went to the hospital for a check-up immediately after having health problems on the evening of August 21. Photo: Reuters

According to an announcement from the Singapore Prime Minister's Office on August 22, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will take sick leave for a week on the advice of doctors and will return to work on August 29. During Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's absence, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean will take over his duties.

The announcement was made after Mr. Lee suffered a health problem and suddenly fainted while delivering his national address on the evening of August 21. Mr. Lee's speech was being broadcast live on television. Mr. Lee had to pause his speech and only returned to the podium after more than an hour of rest.

According to The Straits Times, doctors who examined Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong confirmed that he did not suffer a stroke and that there were no cardiovascular abnormalities. Mr. Lee's dizziness was due to a temporary drop in blood pressure due to standing for a long time, fatigue, and dehydration. After finishing his speech, the 64-year-old Prime Minister went to the Singapore General Hospital for a medical check-up.

On the afternoon of August 22, Mr. Lee thanked the people for watching his speech on the evening of August 21. Later, the Singaporean Prime Minister also shared on his personal Facebook: "I sincerely thank all of you for your concern and good wishes. I apologize for not having the opportunity to meet all of you after my speech last night because I went straight to Singapore General Hospital for a general check-up. I am happy to share that the doctors said I am fine, but they advised me to rest, so I will be taking this week off."

According to Thanh Nien