Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Nee Soon GRC, Louis Ng, has announced his decision to step down from politics.

Ng, who served two terms, is stepping down alongside fellow MPs Carrie Tan and Derrick Goh.

The announcement comes just a day after the People’s Action Party (PAP) introduced a refreshed slate of candidates for Nee Soon GRC, with Minister for Law and Home Affairs K. Shanmugam continuing as the anchor minister.

Following a walkabout in the constituency on Apr. 22, Ng became visibly emotional while addressing the media:

“I’m stepping away, not because I stopped loving this job, really far from it, but being an MP has never just been a job for me. It’s been a calling, a deep privilege, and honestly, one of the greatest honours of my life.”

He shared that he will be returning to the non-profit sector, a space he was involved in before entering politics.

Ng expressed that during his time as an MP, he missed many important milestones in his daughters’ childhood and now hopes to be more present in their lives now.

He has three daughters – 11-year-old Ella, and eight-year-old twins Katie and Poppy.

As Ng teared up, Shanmugam was seen wiping away his tears.

Time for the next chapter

Shanmugam revealed that both he and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong attempted to persuade Ng to remain in politics, acknowledging that Ng “adds a lot of value to Nee Soon and Parliament.”

However, he noted that Ng's reasons were “intensely personal".

In his farewell, Ng thanked Shanmugam for his guidance over the past 17 years.

“He has not only been a colleague, a minister, a friend, a mentor, but a very nurturing fatherly figure,” Ng said.

“And I dare say, he's probably the person that has put his arm around me the most often to show me care and concern and encouragement—although sometimes to strangle me as well.”

Reflecting on his political journey, Ng said, “But after 10 years as an MP, I do feel it's time for the next chapter.”

He reiterated his commitment to service as he returns to the non-profit sector, now armed with a decade of parliamentary experience.

Ng concluded by expressing his gratitude to Nee Soon residents.

“Thank you for your trust, for letting me into your lives, and for making this our home with a heart. This privilege, this trust, is something that I have never taken lightly.”

Top photos by Mothership

6925, 7521