Koh Poh Koon resigns from ministerial roles for ‘family reasons’, will stay on as MP

[SINGAPORE] Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon has stepped down from public office “due to family reasons”, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Friday (May 22).

He will relinquish his appointments as senior minister of state for manpower and for health from Jun 1.

His resignation has been accepted by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

Dr Koh will remain a Member of Parliament for Tampines GRC, serving residents of Tampines Central Division.

“Made with a heavy heart”

In an Instagram video post following the PMO announcement, Dr Koh said his decision to resign was made after “much deliberation and discussion with (his) family, and it was made with a heavy heart”.

Dr Koh, who was assigned his health ministry portfolio in May 2025, said he was grateful for the trust that PM Wong had shown in appointing him to higher officer in this latest term of government.

“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,” he said in the video.

“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 added that the attention his family required was “not compatible with the demands of political office”, and that he would “do what is right” for his family even as he continues his duties as an MP.

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Dr Koh noted that his work with the Economic Strategic Review recently concluded, granting him time to “refocus his priorities”.

PM Wong responds

In a Facebook post shortly after the announcement, PM Wong thanked Dr Koh for his “many years of contributions to the government and to Singapore”.

In particular, the prime minister highlighted Dr Koh’s leadership in the government task force on infant formula, which led to more affordable options as well as new hospital practices that give parents more choice and transparency.

PM Wong also noted Dr Koh’s time at the Trade and Industry and Manpower ministries, as well as the National Trades Union Congress, where he worked to “uplift workers, strengthen tripartite partnerships, and help businesses build new capabilities to adapt to change”.

At the ministries of National Development as well as Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Koh “led efforts to grow our agrifood sector, strengthen food safety and security, and improve sustainability practices”, PM Wong said.

And at the Ministry of Health, he “helped lay the groundwork for Singaporeans to live healthier lives through Healthier SG (and) Age Well SG, while working to keep healthcare affordable and accessible for all Singaporeans”.

PM Wong said that he understood Dr Koh’s wish to spend more time with his family. “I am glad he will continue to serve his residents in Tampines Central and contribute in Parliament.”