Quick takes: Public office holders see Heng Swee Keat as invaluable, hardworking

WELL-WISHES for the hospitalised Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat poured in from his colleagues, as they portrayed an invaluable minister who toiled at fulfilling his responsibilities.

Mr Heng, 54, suffered a stroke and collapsed at a weekly Cabinet meeting on Thursday afternoon. He is now undergoing treatment at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

Here are some comments from public figures:

Dr Tony Tan, President: Hope he has a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.

Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister: Hope Swee Keat will be alright - he is a valuable member of my team.

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister: Let's hope and pray for Heng Swee Keat, who is being treated in hospital after suffering a stroke during Cabinet meeting late this afternoon. He is one of Singapore's finest sons, and a leader with much promise.

K Shanmugam, Home Affairs and Law Minister: Have been working closely with Swee Keat on a number of things. I could see that he was very tired. I have been telling him that he was overworking so much that it will affect his health. He was carrying an incredible load, handling the Finance Ministry, various important projects, including SG50, and the Committee for Future Economy - this Committee has the crucial task of charting our economic future. Praying for him.

Ng Eng Hen, Defence Minister: Cabinet colleagues are expectedly shaken because Swee Keat collapsed suddenly during our meeting this afternoon. We managed to resuscitate him but he and his family will now need all our prayers and support as he undergoes critical procedures and treatment for the stroke. Let us together hope earnestly for his recovery.

Lee Yi Shyan, Member of Parliament for East Coast GRC: I am saddened to learn that Swee Keat has suffered a stroke. A year ago, after learning I suffered a TIA (transient ischemic attack or mini stroke), Swee Keat advised me to go slow and doing "less is more". Yet Swee Keat works ever so hard himself. I really wish he would recover soon and completely. Please pray for him.

READ MORE: Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat collapsed during Cabinet meeting on Thursday