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SINGAPORE, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- Singapore swimmer Joseph Schooling, the newly-crowned Olympic gold medallist, was formally congratulated in the Parliament on Monday.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong earlier said on Facebook that the Parliament would move a motion to congratulate Schooling on his gold medal win, and to express support for Singapore athletes competing in Rio. A motion is a proposal for Members of the Parliament (MPs) to get something done or to express an opinion on a topic of interest.
Before the Parliament motion, PM Lee asked a selfie with Schooling and shared it on his Facebook, saying he "felt so proud" to do so.
Singapore's Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin, who is also Singapore National Olympic Council president, moved the motion in the Parliament on Monday, saying that Schooling's achievement marks a milestone in the country's sporting history and a new beginning.
Tan added that Schooling's historic win exemplifies the Singapore spirit, and shows even the smallest country can achieve something extraordinary, and with passion and hard work, one can achieve something great.
At the end of the speeches, MPs gave a 30-second standing ovation to Schooling. This is the first time that such a motion had been moved.
Schooling's request for extension of his National Service deferment was approved earlier on Monday, which allows him to be enlisted after the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The 21-year-old gold medallist also revealed that he is trying to ask for permission from the school to stay longer so he could attend the National Day Rally on Aug. 21.
