PM walking around ward, receives visit from President Tan

A day after undergoing surgery to remove his prostate gland, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was well enough to walk around his ward and entertain visitors, both in person and via videoconferencing.

President Tony Tan Keng Yam and his wife, Mrs Mary Tan, visited Mr Lee at the Singapore General Hospital yesterday.

"PM and Madam Ho Ching shared with us more details about the surgery," Dr Tan wrote in a Facebook post yesterday.

"We're happy that the operation went well. PM was in good spirits and looking forward to being discharged. We hope that he will have a good rest before resuming his normal duties."

Mr Lee was diagnosed with prostate cancer last month, and underwent successful surgery on Monday. His doctor said Mr Lee is expected to recover fully.

Yesterday morning, Mr Lee's physiotherapist got him to walk up and down his ward, and Mr Lee took a photo from his room window.

He later uploaded the photo - which showed the Duke-NUS Medical School and the new Academia building - on Facebook.

In the afternoon, Mr Lee's ministerial colleagues "dropped in" on him for a few minutes over video-link from the Cabinet room at the Istana to wish him a quick recovery, before starting their weekly Cabinet meeting.

Mr Lee, who has been given one week of medical leave, will spend the Chinese New Year break recuperating. Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean is standing in for him.

DPM Teo said in a Facebook post: "Glad to see him looking well and in good spirits."

Several younger ministers even took a "wefie" with Mr Lee, who appeared on a television screen behind them.

Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin uploaded the photo on Facebook, with the comments: "Best not to disturb him in hospital! He is in good spirits and op and checks went well! #GetWellSoonPM."

Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck told The Straits Times later: "From our interaction with him, PM looked energetic and seems to be recovering well. He still has a keen sense of humour - he said he'll be obedient and listen to the advice of his health- care professionals."

PM Lee, too, uploaded photos of the President's visit and the videoconference on Facebook, saying: "Deeply appreciate everyone's concern and good wishes."

As for the ministers checking in on him, he added: "Had fun catching up with them!"

Last night, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who had his cancerous prostate gland removed last November, said in a Facebook post that the illness that struck both of them showed life's unpredictability. This is all the more reason Singapore needs to plan for uncertainty, he added.

"I hope competent men and women of integrity will step forward to carry Singapore into the future. We have achieved much, but much more can be achieved.

"Don't drop the ball (Singapore)," he said.

Glad surgery went well

We're happy that the operation went well. PM was in good spirits and looking forward to being discharged. We hope that he will have a good rest before resuming his normal duties.

- President Tony Tan Keng Yam, in a Facebook post

This article was first published on Feb 18, 2015.
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