Koh Poh Koon says he has been an absent husband, dad & son, will focus on family after resigning as Senior Minister of State

Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health Koh Poh Koon has requested to step down from public office due to family reasons, said the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in a statement on May 22.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has accepted his resignation, which will take effect from Jun. 1, the statement said.

He will remain an MP for Tampines GRC.

In a video uploaded to his social media on May 22, Koh said that he decided with a heavy heart after much deliberation and discussion with his family.

Absent husband and father

He said he has been an "absent husband, father and son" since he stepped into politics in 2015, placing the needs of Singapore and his constituents above his family.

"For too long, my wife has carried much of the burden at home, often having to look after our parents and our children on her own," he said.

He added that his family needs his attention right now in a way that is not compatible with the demands of the political office.

"Even as I continue my work as Member of Parliament, I will need to step up and better support my wife and do what is right for our family," he said.

Saying that his work in the Economic Strategic Review Committee was completed recently, he added that it is "timely" for him to refocus his priorities.

A doctor by training, Koh and his wife, who is also a doctor, have two daughters.

Gratitude

Koh also gave his thanks to his colleagues in the political office.

"I am immensely grateful for the trust and confidence that PM Lawrence Wong has for me to hold higher political office in this term," he added.

"I want to thank PM and all my Cabinet colleagues for their guidance all these years. And to all my ministry colleagues and staff who have supported me throughout the years across the many portfolios I have served in, thank you all very much. I have learned much from all of you, and I will always be grateful for your partnership and friendship."

He ended by saying that he will take the next couple of months to spend some time with his family and to consider his next steps, adding that he will continue serving as Tampines GRC MP.

Tributes

His government colleagues also posted words of appreciation for Koh on social media.

PM Wong wrote that Koh approached every responsibility with sincerity, dedication and genuine care for the people he served.

"I am deeply grateful for his many years of contributions to the Government and to Singapore. While I am sad to lose a dedicated member of the team, I understand his wish to spend more time with his family, and have accepted his request," he added.

Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung wrote that he will miss Koh's honest counsel at the health ministry.

"I know that the matter has been weighing on his mind. I am glad that he has come to a decision, and respect him for doing what he feels is best for his family," he said.

He added that Koh has kept his clinical skills warm and expressed hope that Koh will be able to serve as a doctor in public healthcare.

Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng also posted a tribute, saying he remembers working closely with Koh during the Covid-19 years.

"Those were anxious and uncertain times, but Poh Koon was always calm and steady. He engaged extensively with our employers and workers and found practical ways to support them during the crisis," he said.