MR LIM GUAN HOO, MEMBER FOR BUKIT MERAH (Leave of Absence)

Mr Speaker: Honourable Members are aware that the Honourable Member for Bukit Merah suffered a stroke and was admitted to Hospital on the 13th February last.

Upon receiving a letter about his illness from the Leader of the House, I granted him leave of absence for all sittings of this House during March.

It is with considerable regret and sorrow that I have to inform Members that the Member has been in deep coma ever since the stroke which caused severe damage to his brain. He has been and is still unable to swallow nor move his limbs voluntarily, and is totally unaware of his surroundings.

Three Professors of Medicine - Prof. Khoo Oon Teik, Prof. Lee Yong Kiat and Prof. Chia Boon Lock - have now certified that, in their opinion, he will not recover consciousness and regain voluntary movements, and that his total incapacity will prevent him from performing his duties as a Member of Parliament. In the circumstances, no purpose would be served in granting him further leave of absence.