Quah Kim Song sweeps Sylvia Lim off her feet

SINGAPORE - A romantic dance at a Workers' Party concert in January led to sparks flying between party chairman Sylvia Lim and former football hero Quah Kim Song.

Ms Lim and Mr Quah - known for his fancy footwork as Singapore's star striker in his Malaysia Cup heyday - confirmed on Saturday that they have been dating for about six months.

Ms Lim, 48 and single, is a Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC. She told The Sunday Times that some mutual friends had coaxed Mr Quah to sing at the WP's variety show, Bricks In Blue, in January.

"We became close after that," she said.

The former football star, 61, is a widower with two children.

At the concert, he not only sang Simon and Garfunkel's El Condor Pasa but also ended up twirling Ms Lim across the stage.

Asked what they shared in common, she said: "We enjoy our food, drinks, music and sports."

What about politics?

"He is not a WP member. We try not to talk about politics if we can," said Ms Lim.

Mr Quah was a household name in the 1970s, known for such feats as scoring the winning goal against Penang in a 1977 match that brought home the Malaysia Cup after a 12-year wait.

The couple have been spotted in public together. Ms Lim said they are recognised sometimes and people are generally friendly.

"Then we all end up talking about football and politics," she said, via e-mail.

Mr Quah is from a formidable footballing family that has produced other national sportsmen.

Asked if she has met them, Ms Lim said: "I have met his children as well as his siblings, who are happy for us."

Asked how he feels about dating one of Singapore's most prominent women politicians, Mr Quah said: "I know her as Sylvia Lim, and not Sylvia Lim, chairman of WP. We are enjoying our time together and hope to be together for a long time."

And are wedding bells expected any time soon?

Ms Lim said: "We want to take our time."

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