Singapore’s minister resigns over inappropriate communications with woman

Singapore’s Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Faishal Ibrahim, has resigned after acknowledging a “lapse of judgment” over his interactions with a woman who was not a public official.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said most of the contact between the two took place through online messaging, although they also met at public events, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Faishal stated that there was no physical relationship between them but acknowledged that he failed to establish appropriate boundaries and that his conduct fell short of the standards expected of public office holders.

“There was a lapse of judgment on my part in the way I handled the interactions, and in failing to establish clearer boundaries at an earlier stage,” he said.

Faishal has also resigned as a member of parliament for the Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC constituency and left the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), saying he intends to focus on his family.

According to Wong, the matter came to light about a month ago after the woman contacted the Prime Minister’s Office. Following interviews with both parties, who made mutual allegations of harassment, the case was referred to the police.

After an investigation, the police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers concluded that neither party had committed a criminal offence and that no criminal action would be taken.

However, the prime minister said Faishal’s conduct did not meet the standards expected of government officials, leading to his resignation.

Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment and Defence Zaqy Mohamad has been appointed Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs.

By Jeyhun Aghazada