On Sunday (3 May), the Workers’ Party (WP) announced on its Facebook page – along with a statement posted on its website – that its former Secretary-General Low Thia Khiang is suffering a head injury from a fall at his home on 30 April.
According to the party, Mr Low, 63, is being monitored in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and is currently conscious.
The news brought together politicians from all sides as they took to social media to express their sympathy while extending their thoughts and prayers to Mr Low.
People’s Action Party
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat wished Mr Low a speedy recovery and hoped to see him back in Parliament soon.
Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing expressed his concern for Mr Low’s condition and wished him a quick recovery.
“I just had a good, long conversation with him at the last Parliament sitting. I look forward to seeing him again soon,” he added.
Home Affairs Senior Parliamentary Secretary Sun Xueling wished Mr Low a speedy and good recovery.
She also shared her last interaction with Mr Low at the last parliamentary sitting when they bumped into each other just outside the washrooms.
Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin noted that he knew about the fall when Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh applied for leave from Parliament on behalf on Mr Low – who is in fact known for his exemplary attendance record in Parliament.
However, he admitted that he did not know how serious Mr Low’s condition was at that time.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Mr Low. Wishing you speedy recovery,” Mr Tan wrote.
Minister of Parliament for Tampines GRC Cheng Li Hui mentioned about Mr Low’s adorable grandson – whom she met at NDP last year – saying that she will be giving him a pair of matching blue masks for his grandfather and himself.
“Only grandchildren can make grandparents smile so sweetly. Here’s wishing Mr Low a speedy recovery,” she added.
Member of Parliament for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC Alex Yam included a 3D image of Mr Low in his post, while acknowledging Mr Low’s seniority and kindness to him in Parliament.
“While we may sit on opposing sides of the political divide, we are fellow Singaporeans and Mr Low is a veteran parliamentary colleague – and he has been nothing but gracious and friendly towards me since I entered Parliament,” he wrote.
Many other PAP politicians extended their well-wishes to Mr Low.
The Workers’ Party
WP chief Pritam Singh wished Mr Low a speedy recovery on behalf of the whole party.
Former WP Deputy Organising Secretary Kenneth Foo, in his dedication post, painted Mr Low as a “fatherly figure and a Man of Steel” who “fought numerous battles and never bow in before”.
A handful of other WP members also sent their best wishes to their well-respected fellow compatriot.
Progress Singapore Party, Singapore Democratic Party, People’s Power Party, Reform Party
Other opposition parties also showed solidarity in wishing the best for Mr Low’s recovery.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock, Secretary-General of Progress Singapore Party (PSP), offered his thoughts and prayers to Mr Low and his family.
Dr Chee Soon Juan, Chief of Singapore Democratic Party’s (SDP), hoped that Mr Low’s condition is not severe and wished him a speedy recovery.
Goh Meng Seng, Secretary-General of People’s Power Party (PPP) shared that Mr Low was his “First Political Mentor” when he joined the WP back in 2001.
“Mr Low was my First Political Mentor when I joined Workers Party in 2001 and I owed it to him for many of my political foundation and learnings,” he wrote.
Kenneth Jeyaretnam, Secretary-General of Reform Party, also paid tribute to Mr Low.