I have asked to step down as Senior Minister of State with effect from 1 June 2026. This decision was taken after much deliberation and discussion with my family, and it was made with a heavy heart.
Serving as a Political Officer Holder since 2015 has been one of the greatest honours of my life. I am thankful for the opportunity to contribute to Singapore across different Ministries and the Labour Movement and to make a difference as part of a dynamic team.
I am immensely grateful for the trust and confidence that PM Lawrence Wong has for me to hold higher political office in this term. However, I have been an absent husband, father and son since I stepped into politics in 2015, placing the needs of Singapore and my constituents above my 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.
Right now, my family needs my attention in a way that is not compatible with the demands of 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. With my work in the Economic Strategic Review Committee completed recently, it is timely for me to refocus my priorities.
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.
I will take the next couple of months to spend some time with my family and to consider my next steps.
But this is not goodbye. I will continue to do my best serving my constituents as Member of Parliament at Tampines GRC.
—Koh Poh Koon
kapo'd from the other side. I suspect wife eat mangoes this time