Workers' Party (WP) chairman Sylvia Lim and former football hero Quah Kim Song are a couple.

Ms Lim and Mr Quah - known for his fancy footwork as Singapore's star striker in his Malaysia Cup heyday - confirmed yesterday that they have been dating for about six months.

Ms Lim, 48 and single, told Singapolitics that some mutual friends had coaxed Mr Quah to sing at the WP's variety show, Bricks In Blue, in January. "We became close after that," she said, via email.

The former football star, 61, is a widower with two children. At the concert, he not only sang Simon and Garfunkel's El Condor Pasa but also danced with Ms Lim on stage.

Asked what they shared in common, she said: "We enjoy our food, drinks, music and sports."

What about politics? "He is not a WP member. We try not to talk about politics if we can.''

Asked how he feels about dating one of Singapore's most prominent women politicians, Mr Quah said: "I know her as Sylvia Lim, and not Sylvia Lim, chairman of WP. We are enjoying our time together and hope to be together for a long time."

Are wedding bells expected any time soon? Ms Lim said: "We want to take our time."

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