SINGAPORE - Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat would not have assumed leadership of the ruling People's Action Party's (PAP's) fourth-generation team if he was not confident he was healthy.
The PAP's newly appointed first assistant secretary-general, who suffered a stroke in May 2016, said on Friday (Nov 23): "I have made very good recovery, my doctors have given me a clean bill of health."
"At my latest medical check, the results were even better than before. I have lost a bit of weight, but that's because I'm fitter now," he said to laughter at a press conference at the party's headquarters in New Upper Changi Road.
He added, more seriously, in response to media questions about his health: "I would not have taken up this appointment if I did not have the confidence that my health allowed me to do it.
"I consulted my doctors, looked at the medical reports as well as (knew) my own energy level."
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Mr Heng had collapsed in the middle of a Cabinet meeting after suffering a brain aneurysm, and took several months to recover.
But since then, he has gone on to make many international trips, including two trips to Argentina, with a third one to the Group of 20 Summit coming up next week. Each trip is about 30 hours.

Said Mr Heng with a smile: "I am travelling more than when I was MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) managing director.
"This life-and-death episode has strengthened my commitment to serve Singaporeans."
Mr Heng, who has been described as soft-spoken, was also asked about his leadership style.
He said this question was best answered by the people he worked with in his three decades of public service.
But he added: "My own sense is I'm very open, I listen to all views, and I decide what needs to be done.
"When it's important enough, we'll be fast and decisive about it, just like what I did during the Global Financial Crisis (in 2008 and 2009), because every minute of delay means far greater risk."

Photo: The Straits Times
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