Lee has spoken each year at the annual National Day rally since taking office in August 2004.
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Some netizens had speculated about Mr Lee’s condition when, two hours into his speech, he paused abruptly and was helped off the stage. A medical team assessed that the prime minister’s condition is not serious.
State-owned TV Channel NewsAsia quoted the deputy prime minister as saying Lee will return to conclude his speech.
Mr Lee, who has had a tough schedule, has been working very hard, he said. “These things happen in life but he’s strong enough to carry on”.
The Straits Times newspaper reported that Lee was escorted off the stage with the aid of Teo, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and Acting Education Minister Ng Chee Meng.
The daily wrote in its report that after the leader was led away, the curtains were drawn at the ITE College Central auditorium where the rally was being held.
In a statement on his Facebook page at 9.31pm, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said Lee “took ill while speaking at National Day Rally”. “I should say thank you to them because I invited them as guests and they came to treat me just now”, he said. “PMO will update in due course”, the post added.
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The Independent Singapore wishes Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong a speedy recovery. The last time I did this I was on the parade square in Safti, I fainted.
