'I have been an absent husband, father and son': Koh Poh Koon says he needs to focus on family

Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health Koh Poh Koon said his decision to resign was "made with a heavy heart" after "much deliberation and discussion" with family.

In a video on Facebook on Friday (May 22), Dr Koh described serving as a political officer holder as "one of the greatest honours" of his life.

However, this came at a price: "I have been an absent husband, father, and son since I stepped into [political office] in 2015, placing the needs of Singapore and my constituents above my family," the 54-year-old father of two said.

"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 now, my family needs my attention in a way that is not compatible with the demands of political office," he wrote.

"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 added.

@asiaone In a video posted after news of his resignation broke, Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health Dr Koh Poh Koon explained why he decided to resign from political office. #sgnews #Singapore ♬ original sound - AsiaOne

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) announced Koh's resignation, effective June 1, on Friday. A statement from the PMO paid tribute to Dr Koh's contributions across a wide range of portfolios, including trade and industry, manpower, health, sustainability and the environment, national development and the labour movement.

Among other things, the PMO noted that Dr Koh worked to strengthen support for businesses, workers and lower-wage Singaporeans. He also helped expand the Progressive Wage Model to more sectors, advanced protection for platform workers and against workplace discrimination, and championed stronger support for seniors and caregivers. 

"Throughout his years in Government, Dr Koh served with dedication, thoughtfulness and a deep sense of duty. His contributions have made a difference to the lives of many Singaporeans," the PMO statement added.

In his Facebook video, Dr Koh said he will spend time considering his next steps, but assured his constituents that he will continue to serve them.

"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."

'Doing what he feels is best for his family'

Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng and Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung both paid tribute to Dr Koh in Facebook posts.

Dr Tan pointed out the demands of public office: "Oftentimes, public service demands a strong resolve, commitment and empathy to deliver the best outcomes for Singaporeans amidst competing priorities and trade-offs. 

"Poh Koon dedicated years of his life to exactly this mission. Whether engaging anxious workers, employers or stakeholders across different sectors, he approached the responsibility with steadiness, patience and a deep sense of duty," wrote Dr Tan.

"Thank you Poh Koon for your years of service, care for workers and contributions to strengthening Singapore’s workforce and tripartite partnership. I wish you the best in your next chapter!"

Meanwhile, Ong expressed sadness at Dr Koh's resignation from political office, adding that he knew the matter had been weighing on Dr Koh's mind.

"I am glad that he has come to a decision, and respect him for doing what he feels is best for his family," Ong wrote on Facebook.

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khooyihang@asiaone.com