PM takes medical leave after fainting on live TV

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong started a week's medical leave on Monday to rest after a fainting spell during a televised speech caused a health scare.

Lee, 64, underwent a series of medical checks late on Sunday and early Monday and "doctors have confirmed there were no cardiac abnormalities and no stroke," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

However, his doctors advised that Lee should go on medical leave and resume his duties next Monday, his office said. Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean will be in charge in his absence.