Singapore Defence Minister to retire from politics after GE2025

Dr Ng announced at a press conference on Friday that he will not contest the upcoming general election (GE2025).

18 Apr 2025 03:32pm

Dr Ng said he had informed Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of his decision several months ago. - Photo credit: Dr Ng Eng Hen' Facebook

SINGAPORE - Singapore’s Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen will retire from politics after over two decades in the Cabinet, according to The Straits Times (ST).

Dr Ng, 66, announced at a press conference on Friday that he will not contest the upcoming general election (GE2025).

People sit on benches during lunch time opposite the Parliament building in Singapore on October 20, 2022. Singaporeans vote on May 3, 2025 in an election that will test Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's leadership, as the wealthy city-state faces a turbulent global economy upended by US tariffs. (Photo by Roslan RAHMAN / AFP)

The Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC since 2001 said he had informed Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of his decision several months ago.

Wong, who is also the People’s Action Party (PAP) secretary-general, thanked the MPs who will be stepping down to make way for renewal within the party during the launch of its manifesto on Thursday.

The PAP will field 32 new candidates at GE2025 - the largest number in the party’s recent history.

A surgical oncologist by training, Dr Ng has held various positions in the Cabinet, beginning as Minister of State for Education and Manpower in 2002. He became a full minister in 2004, taking on the role of Manpower Minister.

His involvement in the defence portfolio began in 2005 when he was appointed Second Minister for Defence. He became full Minister for Defence in May 2011, a position he has held since.

The minister, in a Facebook post, reflected on his 24 years in politics, describing his decision to enter the field as taking "a road less travelled” and departing with precious memories. - BERNAMA