Heng Swee Keat looking great in first video after stroke

PM Lee to Heng: No constant checking of his email or his phone!

Martino Tan | June 25, 2016, 01:10 PM

There is a new post from Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat on his Facebook page, its first since May 10.

And he looks great.

In his first appearance after suffering from a stroke during a cabinet meeting, Heng, looking refreshed, spoke to the doctors and nurses and thanked them for their care, before his discharge from the Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).

Heng, 54, appeared to have no difficulty moving about, as he engaged in some light-hearted banter with the doctors and nurses, and he did so in his trademark soft-spoken demeanor.

Sporting a neat haircut, Heng gave the thumbs up to the staff at TTSH to applause from all.

Heng_Swee_Keat_recovery

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also shared Heng's Facebook post, expressing his delight that Heng has been discharged from the TTSH today. He thanked the staff at TTSH for their professionalism and dedication.

He also urged Heng not to check his email or his phone constantly.

Below is the full post by Heng:

Home!

The last few weeks were the toughest of my life. I could get through this time because of the strong support from my family, great medical care, and the kindness from all of you.

If not for the critical help of many people, including my colleagues in Cabinet on the day of my stroke, I wouldn’t be here now. The TTSH and NNI teams are truly dedicated professionals. They showed the best of care, and a warm human touch. They are rays of light when patients and their families are at their lowest. I am so thankful too to the SCDF crew who saved me. Anyone who is helped by our hospitals and the SCDF is in good hands.

It was not just about medical care. One more thing made a difference... all your prayers and good wishes. I was very touched to hear about the prayers of different religious groups, and to receive all your wishes, cards and flowers. Your good wishes stayed by my side at the hospital, and I’m taking them home with me.

I am also touched by how friends and colleagues in government and in Tampines came together to make sure our work gets done and our residents are cared for. This is true team spirit, thank you.

For now, doctors say no visitors, no work, focus on rehab so I can recover fully. I may not be able to reply to your messages. But be assured that I'm reading them all, and your good wishes give me strength.

I look forward to when I can see everyone again. My deepest thanks to all of you for your wishes and prayers. Enjoy the rest of your June holidays, and blessed Ramadan to all our fasting friends. Let’s iftar together next year. Everyone, please take good care of yourselves too.

You take good care of yourself too, Minister Heng!

Related articles:

Minister Heng Swee Keat had a stroke caused by an aneurysm — here’s what that means

Top photo from Heng Swee Keat Facebook page

If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates.