'I cannot outsource my family to others': Koh Poh Koon says it's time for him to reprioritise at last event as SMS

Senior Minister of State for Health Koh Poh Koon said at a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) event on May 23 that he was not "running away" and will continue to be active for residents.

However, "the needs of the family have increased in recent years".

Koh announced his resignation from political office on May 22, citing the need to be present for his family.

His resignation will take effect from Jun. 1, and he will continue to be a Member of Parliament for Tampines GRC.

Saturday's inaugural awards event for TCM practitioners was the last event Koh attended as Senior Minister of State for Health.

Only one family has to turn to: Koh

Speaking at the event, Koh shared that he has received text messages from friends and acquaintances, as well as emails from the public, since the announcement of his resignation.

"From people I have not met before, and all sending their encouragement and their support," Koh said.

He then expressed gratitude towards the support he received "all these years".

"Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart," Koh said.

He said that his constituents in Tampines GRC will "always be a priority" and he will continue to do his "very best" for them.

"But the needs of family have increased in recent years, and unfortunately for family, I'm the only one they have to turn to," Koh told the audience.

"I cannot outsource my family to others, so it is time that I have to take stock and reprioritise. But I was telling some of you that I'm not running away, I'm still going to be around."

Koh shared that he will continue to make appearances at events as an MP.

He also commented that he was glad his "final event" as Senior Minister of State for Health was to recognise the contributions of TCM practitioners, explaining that TCM was one of the first fields he looked into during his first stint at the ministry.

At the awards event, Koh announced the initiation of a TCM practitioner and services accreditation framework later this year.

He also shared about a new initiative that will invite TCM practitioners and Healthier SG general practitioner clinics to submit joint proposals on co-managing patient health in Singapore.

Koh also handed out awards to practitioners to recognise their contributions to the TCM practice in Singapore.

Resignation

The Prime Minister's Office announced Koh's resignation on May 22.

In a video posted to Facebook, Koh explained that 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.

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

He also said that while he continues his work as an MP, he will also need to "step up" for his wife and his family.