SINGAPORE: A recent post published by People’s Action Party (PAP) politician Louis Ng has sparked speculation that he might be retiring from politics instead of standing for re-election in the coming 2025 General Election.
Mr Ng has served in Parliament for a decade, since 2015. Sharing a photo of himself on the last day Parliament sat this month, he uploaded a “report card” on Facebook. He noted that in the last 10 years, he has raised a whopping 1,055 Parliamentary Questions, 15 Adjournment Motions, 2 Private Member’s Motions, 2 Private Member’s Bills, 1 Parliamentary Petition and helped shape 269 pieces of legislation through his Bill speeches.
He wrote, “I’m especially glad to have spoken up for single unwed parents, teachers, nurses, junior doctors, social workers, LGBTQ+ community, those facing fertility issues, breastfeeding mothers, abused children, sex workers, migrant workers, refugees, on secondhand smoke, climate change, animal welfare, wildlife crime, parental leave and many more.”
Thanking Singaporeans for giving him such an opportunity to contribute to the country, he added, “It has been an incredible privilege to serve as an MP, speaking up and giving everyone, especially the marginalised a voice in Parliament. It’s a responsibility I have never taken lightly. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. I will continue to fight hard to make Singapore a better place for all.”
The tone of Mr Ng’s post has raised concerns that he may be stepping down from politics, as the next election looms. While some have asked whether the release of his “report card” indicates that this was truly the last parliamentary sitting this term and whether the election will take place next month as expected, others have expressed sadness at Mr Ng’s potential exit from politics.
The majority of netizens, on both sides of the political divide, are showering Mr Ng with praise for his hard work and dedication in serving Singaporeans over the years. Many have dubbed him “the best PAP MP,” thanking him for his authenticity and for being a voice for the voiceless.
Prominent academic Walid J Abdullah thanked Mr Ng for his service, in a comment, and called him “One of the best backbenchers in parliamentary history!”
A number of netizens called him a “rare” MP with a heart for the people, while some said he is a “refreshing change” from the usual ruling party politician. Others paid tribute to him and shared anecdotes of how his advocacy in Parliament has had an impact on their lives. A number of individuals said that his potential retirement would constitute a “huge loss” in Parliament.
A voice for the voiceless since 2001
Mr Ng was best known as a passionate animal welfare activist prior to joining politics. While still an undergraduate in 2001, he founded Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) and he went on to lead the organisation from a volunteer-run group to one with over 20 full-time staff and over S$1 million in funding in 2014.
He joined politics prior to the 2015 general election, in which he was elected to Parliament as part of the team for Nee Soon GRC led by Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam. The father of three was re-elected in the 2020 general election.