Singapore PM faints during speech, takes medical leave

By Kirsten Han

SINGAPORE (AA) – Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s office announced Monday that he has taken medical leave until Aug. 29 after a fainting spell during Sunday night's annual address to the nation.

Lee, 64, had been partway through his English speech at the National Day Rally when he paused and stumbled at the podium.

He was escorted off the stage for medical attention while the rally was suspended at 9.20 p.m. (1320GMT). He later returned and resumed his speech at around 10.40pm.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, Lee had felt unsteady due to "prolonged standing, heat and dehydration".

The statement added that his heart was fine and emphasized that he had not suffered a stroke.

Lee went for a full medical check-up following his speech. Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan wrote on Facebook that the tests were "all normal".

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean will be covering Lee's duties in his absence.