Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was taken ill while delivering a speech on Sunday, shocking a live television audience, but aides said his condition was not serious.

The 64-year-old leader, the son of late founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, stopped speaking and was helped off the rostrum while delivering an annual National Day policy speech.

Witnesses said he managed to wave to the crowd before getting medical attention.

“PM Lee took ill while speaking at the National Day Rally. The medical team is attending to him right now. They assess that his condition is not serious,” his office said in a statement.

Lee has been in power since 2004.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said Lee planned to complete his speech after resting, the Straits Times reported. (AFP)

•Photo shows Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

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