Good grief. PM certainly gave us a scare eh? One moment he was delivering the English segment of his National Day Rally speech, then the next moment he turns pale, grips the podium and faints on stage. Ministers in the front row, especially the doctors, rush forward to his aid. And there was a suspension of the NDR.
My Whatsapp and Facebook feed exploded with concern and prayers. I think all of us stood up collectively in shock, whether you were watching live in the ITE auditorium or at home watching it on the bedroom tv wearing pajamas (yes, me). My heart dropped like a stone.
Just after he fell, PM even said sorry to the audience for fainting. Please, no need to apologize, PM. Rest, rest, rest and go for checkup, I think we were all thinking.
Then we got news from the PMO that PM is ok, that it wasn't serious, that it wasn't a stroke, but just exhaustion.
We all sighed a sigh of relief. But still worried because PM said he would come back to finish his speech.
We all went full Auntie and full Uncle at that point, I think. Aiyoh why carry on, PM? Don't need lah. National Day Rally can always be postponed lah. Don't continue if not well, we will understand one. You go and rest and see doctor for full checkup. Don't make speech anymore.
Still, when he returned live on tv at 10.40pm to a standing ovation, it was good to see him again. He joked about giving everyone a scare. He joked about the last time this happened to him when he was younger during a military parade. And he even praised the SCDF team who helped save Heng Swee Keat when he had a stroke, because they were there as his guests but ended up coming to his aid too.
I tell you, that SCDF team are a credit to our nation and our Home Team. Promote the whole lot of them, I say.
Interesting that the immediate topic after he came back from his fall, was Succession Planning. How apt, after that scare.
PM Lee concluded his speech saying someone asked him once, if God granted him three wishes, what would be ask for.
PM said he would ask for:
1. A divine discontent in our people, so we keep striving.
2. Wisdom to count our blessings.
Notice he used only two of his three wishes. Because in Singapore, we always keep strong reserves. We are Singaporeans leh. Wishes also must keep at least one for a rainy day. We very pragmatic one.
