In a surprising turn of events in Singapore's political landscape, three prominent members of the Nee Soon GRC—Louis Ng, Carrie Tan, and Derrick Goh—have announced their decision to step down from politics ahead of the 2025 General Elections.

Louis Ng, a two-term MP and a well-respected advocate for social issues, revealed his departure during a media event on April 22, where he expressed a strong desire to prioritize family time over his political career. He emotionally shared, "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." Ng, who has three daughters, lamented missing crucial milestones in their lives due to his commitments as an MP.

Despite persistent discussions with Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam, who tried to persuade him to remain in politics, Ng's decision was rooted firmly in a desire for a more balanced family life. He plans to return to the non-profit sector, where he founded the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) in 2001.

In a playful social media post, Ng compared himself to a housefly—"No matter how you swat and shoo me away, I keep coming back... to ask for more for fellow Singaporeans," signaling his relentless advocacy for the public.

Carrie Tan, the founder of Daughters Of Tomorrow and a single-term MP, also reflected on her time in office as she announced her decision to step aside. Tan emphasized the need for younger leadership and mentioned her plans to focus on personal development in the wellness sector, intending to bring her insights back to the community.

Derrick Goh, who has served as the town council chairman, will also be stepping away due to his new role as the group chief operating officer at DBS Bank, which will involve significant travel. Goh reassured constituents that while he may be departing from political office, he will remain involved with the community.

These exits are part of a broader wave of retirements as the political scene gears up for the upcoming elections. Notably, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and several other key figures have also announced they will not seek re-election, underscoring a considerable shift in Singapore's political dynamics.

With the new slate of candidates for Nee Soon GRC including former Nominated MP Syed Harun Alhabsyi and several new faces, the path ahead appears set for an intriguing political contest as they prepare to face off against the opposition party, Red Dot United led by Ravi Philemon.

As these seasoned politicians close one chapter, it opens the door for fresh perspectives in Singapore's political narrative.