Sam Tan injured in fall, but presses on with work

SINGAPORE — Minister of State (Manpower and Foreign Affairs) Sam Tan fell at home on Saturday night, pulling a thigh muscle and hurting a wrist and palm, and his back.

Unable to move afterwards, he went to the Singapore General Hospital’s accident and emergency department yesterday morning and has been taking muscle relaxants and painkillers.

But this did not stop the 58-year-old from attending the labour movement’s inaugural May Day celebration for foreign domestic workers as its guest of honour yesterday afternoon. Speaking at the event, Mr Tan said the doctor who attended to him had wanted to grant him a long sick leave, but he asked to be prescribed medication.

“I told the doctor, even (if) I’ve to sit on a wheelchair or (use) crutches, please fix my leg so that I can come,” he said, to applause from the crowd. He told reporters that he had “missed a step” while rushing to the door when he heard the sound of a vehicle.

He had been expecting IT support officers from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), who were due to arrive to fix his malfunctioning computer.

“In MOM and in MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), there are many emails ... to respond (to), so I can’t afford to have the computer out of order,” said Mr Tan, who assumed his MFA portfolio on May 1.

The episode has made him realise that “health is the most important thing” and that “we take everyday (bodily) functions for granted”.

“From now on, I’m going to treasure (my health) even more,” he said.

He is not taking a rest, however. Mr Tan said he has to attend today’s Parliament sitting and is due to leave for Alaska tomorrow for the Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting. “Rain or shine, whether healthy or not so healthy, if duty calls, we’ve to be there.”

Yesterday’s event for domestic employees at the Youth Park @ Somerset featured activities such as games and musical performances as workers kicked back over snacks and received goodie bags.

Mr Tan said foreign domestic workers have made “significant contributions” to Singaporean families, including his own. “I can’t imagine ... the last 21 years without the help of my current foreign domestic worker,” he said. “It would (have been) very challenging for my wife and myself, as well as my children, to manage.” KENNETH CHENG