Louis Ng gets emotional while announcing he's stepping away from politics, Shanmugam wipes his tears (2025)

Shanmugam wipes tears from Louis Ng during emotional press conference

Member of Parliament (MP) Louis Ng choked up as he announced he would not be contesting in the upcoming General Election (GE2025) — prompting Minister K. Shanmugam to gently wipe his tears during the emotional moment.

Mr Ng, who has served Nee Soon Group Representation Constituency (GRC) for 10 years, made the announcement at a press conference near Khatib MRT station on Tuesday (22 April), alongside fellow outgoing MPs Carrie Tan and Derrick Goh.

Mr Shanmugam had earlier confirmed that all three would not be standing in Nee Soon for GE2025.

Stepping down was a difficult decision for Mr Ng, who said he hopes to devote more time to his family.

Mr Shanmugam wipes Mr Ng’s tears during emotional speech

Mr Shanmugam gently wiped Mr Ng’s tears as he spoke, while others placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“Being an MP has never just been a job for me,” Mr Ng said, calling it a privilege.

He shared that both Mr Shanmugam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had tried many times to persuade him to stay on, but his decision came from a personal desire to spend more time with his three daughters.

“I’ve missed a lot of important milestones in their childhood,” he said, pausing to dab his eyes.

“I now want to be more present in their lives and be there for the little but precious, important moments,” he added.

Mr Shanmugam, speaking as a father himself, said he understood Mr Ng’s decision and accepted it with a heavy heart.

Posts farewell videos on Facebook

Mr Ng also posted a farewell video on his Facebook page this morning, reflecting on his decade as an MP.

In a familiar callback to 2020, he took a dip in the sea with his trusty reusable water bottle — then surfaced with a flex, reaffirming his decision to step down to be there for his children.

Mr Ng thanked residents of Nee Soon East, calling it a privilege to have served them.

He also expressed deep appreciation for his team of staff and volunteers who supported him throughout his time in Parliament.

Looking back on his parliamentary work, he said he was proud to have consistently spoken up for the people, raising 1,055 questions and delivering 269 speeches on Bills.

He even likened himself to a persistent fly that always comes back for more.

In a moment that summed up his activist spirit, Mr Ng stood in a dumpster as he talked about pushing through the Good Samaritan Food Donation Bill, which helps reduce food waste.

As founder of the Animal Concerns Research & Education Society (ACRES), he also championed stronger laws to protect Singapore’s wildlife.

“I’m leaving, but this is not goodbye,” he said, sharing plans to return to the non-profit sector.

“Until my last breath, I will continue my efforts to build a more caring, compassionate and inclusive Singapore.”

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Featured image adapted from Shin Min Daily Newsand Lianhe Zaobao.