Prime Minister of Singapore Faints on Live TV: Lee Hsien Loong Resumes Speech After Brief Rest

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore made everybody worried when he fainted on live TV.

The eldest son of former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew fell ill after 'prolonged standing, heat and dehydration'. As a lymphoma and prostate cancer survivor, the doctors assured the public that Lee Hsien Loong is healthy enough to carry out his duties but the citizens are still worried about his health condition. His fainting spell relived the memory of Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat's stroke back in May.

The second scare arising from government officials' health took a toll on the public. Concerns poured out as the incident took place during Singapore's National Day Rally on Aug. 21, 2016. The prime minister had already talked for two hours when he suddenly stopped midway and stumbled. He was escorted outside the room in order to be given immediate medical attention.

However, he surprised everyone by returning to the venue after about an hour to finish his speech. Smiling and looking refreshed, Lee greeted the audience enthusiastically. Supporters gave him a round of applause as a show of appreciation. Assistants and supporters urged him to rest but the admirable leader insisted that he had to finish the speech for his people's encouragement.

The situation, though worrying, was timely because he was speaking about the new leadership of the country.

According to Channel News Asia, Doctor Ng Eng Hen said, "After he encouraged Singaporeans to refuse to give up and keep on trying at National Day Rally, PM had a brief fainting spell. Not serious, similar to what soldiers get from standing on the parade square too long. After he recovered, PM insisted on finishing his speech and did it with panache and vigour. True leadership by example. Still, I'm glad that PM will go through a full medical check to be doubly sure."

Moreover, Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam assured the people that it was nothing to worry about because it was just a result of his recent taxing schedule. Singapore just celebrated its 51st anniversary as a republic this month.

Lee said, "I've never had so many doctors look at me all at once, they think I'm all right. But anyway I'm going to have a full check-up after this."

Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia even sent him a message on Twitter asking him about his condition. Lee responded promptly thanking him for his concern and adding that his doctors told him that he will be fine soon.

.@NajibRazak Thanks for your good wishes. My doctors tell me I should be OK. - LHL — Lee Hsien Loong (@leehsienloong) August 21, 2016