SINGAPORE, Feb 16 — A surge of well wishes poured in for Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday, shortly after the Prime Minister’s Office broke the news that Lee had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

As of 11pm, more than 9,000 people had left comments on his Facebook page, with the majority saying their thoughts and prayers are with him for a successful surgery today and a speedy recovery. A user by the name of Tan Keok Hwee wrote: “Our healthcare services are among the best in the world. Trust our medical team — doctors, nurses and allied healthcare workers who’ll take good care of you.”

Several saluted Lee for continuing to attend to his diplomatic and parliamentary duties, while others voiced their confidence that he would recover quickly but asked him to take the time to rest properly.

Lee’s light-hearted post in the evening, showing a photo of himself smiling after his biopsy procedure last month and making reference to the 1982 movie ET the Extra-Terrestrial because of the pulse oximetre attached to his index finger, also led many to laud his positive attitude.

Various ministers and Members of Parliament also sent their regards to Lee. Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean wrote on his Facebook page: “Wishing PM Lee a smooth operation and speedy recovery. Rest well and recover fully before getting back to your hectic schedule.”

Using a #GetWellSoonPM hashtag, Social and Family Development Minister Chan Chun Sing added: The team will continue to do our best to take care of Singapore and Singaporeans while PM Lee recuperates.”

Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak also wrote on Facebook: “Wishing my good friend PM Lee Hsien Loong a successful surgery tomorrow and a full and speedy recovery.”

Lee thanked everyone for their concern, good wishes and encouraging words. “I have already received so many emails, SMSs, comments on FB and IG, and messages through friends and contacts wishing me well. I’m all set for my op tomorrow, and so are my surgeon and medical team.” — Today