A Shocking Departure from the Nee Soon GRC

In a surprising turn of events, three incumbent MPs from Singapore's Nee Soon Group Representation Constituency (GRC) have announced their decision to step down from politics. Louis Ng, known for being one of Parliament's most outspoken members since his election in 2015, revealed he will now focus on his family, citing the need to spend more time with his three daughters.

Emotional Farewell from Louis Ng

During a heartfelt press conference on April 22, Ng expressed his profound connection to the role of MP, stating, "It’s been a calling, a deep privilege, and honestly, one of the greatest honors of my life." The emotion was palpable, as even Minister K. Shanmugam was seen assisting Ng as he fought back tears.

Ng admitted, "I’ve missed a lot of important milestones in their childhood," referring to his daughters aged 11 and eight-year-old twins. This revelation adds a deeply personal layer to his decision, placing family above politics.

Backing from Fellow Politicians

Despite attempts from Minister Shanmugam and PM Lawrence Wong to persuade Ng to remain, they ultimately respected his need to step back. Ng plans to return to the non-profit sector, leveraging his experience to create a more compassionate Singapore.

The Dynamic Duo: Carrie Tan and Derrick Goh

Joining Ng in this announcement were fellow MPs Carrie Tan and Derrick Goh. Tan, founder of the charity Daughters Of Tomorrow, reflected on her decision to step aside as well, emphasizing the necessity of welcoming a younger, energetic leader. Tan aims to continue her work in wellness and community development.

Meanwhile, Goh, who recently became the COO of DBS Bank, acknowledged the extensive travel demands of his new role as a factor in his departure, though he assured residents of his continuous support from the sidelines.

Significant Contributions to Parliament

Louis Ng’s tenure has been nothing short of remarkable. He has filed an astounding 1,055 parliamentary questions and has been a vocal advocate on various issues, from animal welfare to migrant rights and LGBTQ+ concerns. His commitment to his constituency has set a high standard in Singapore's political landscape.

A Wave of Change Ahead

Their departures come on the heels of other prominent political exits, including Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and a number of other senior figures, signaling a significant reshaping of Singapore's political scene as we approach GE2025. Singapore is poised for evolution as new leaders step up to fill these influential roles.

As the dust settles on these announcements, one thing is clear: the future of Nee Soon and Singaporean politics will be in the hands of a new generation.