Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has affirmed that former Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim’s conduct fell short of expected standards, following a review of the evidence surrounding the case. The Prime Minister made the remarks during a press conference on July 22, following Faishal’s resignation on July 20.
Faishal, who was also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, stepped down from his political positions, including his role as Member of Parliament for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Group Representation Constituency (GRC), and resigned from the People’s Action Party (PAP). His resignation came after what was described as a “lapse of judgment” in managing his interactions with an unidentified woman.
The situation came to light when the woman involved sent an email to the Prime Minister’s Office detailing the exchanges, including screenshots and other information. PM Wong said his initial reaction to the email was disbelief and shock, noting that he initially thought the evidence might have been fabricated.
“The woman’s account, along with independent reviews by several key colleagues, led us to conclude that Faishal’s conduct was inappropriate,” Wong said. He added that Faishal himself acknowledged that his interactions with the woman crossed a line and were “questionable and inappropriate.”
Faishal explained that he was trying to manage an awkward situation and did not want to abruptly cut off contact with the woman. However, upon reflection, he accepted that continuing as a political officeholder was untenable. The government, PM Wong said, has respected Faishal’s request for privacy concerning himself and his family.
Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam offered further details, stating the exchanges between Faishal and the woman were online and that Faishal’s responses encouraged the continuation of their communication. Shanmugam noted the woman’s frustration when Faishal sought to end the interactions, which then led her to contact the Prime Minister’s Office, presenting messages and allegations of harassment. Faishal also alleged harassment by the woman, prompting a police investigation.
Shanmugam emphasized that once the matter entered the public domain through complaint, it required objective scrutiny. Faishal was given a fair hearing in accordance with established standards of conduct, which, as outlined by founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, distinguish between private matters and those meriting formal review when disclosure occurs.
PM Wong described losing Faishal as “painful and difficult,” acknowledging public support for the former minister, especially from the Malay/Muslim community. He reiterated that Faishal’s contributions over a 20-year political career remain significant but stressed that making exceptions in such cases would harm public trust in institutions.
Looking ahead, PM Wong stated that the ongoing work in the Ministry of Muslim Affairs would continue under Minister Zaqy Mohamad alongside other Malay/Muslim political representatives. He highlighted the recent appointment of Zulkarnain Abdul Rahim as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development as an example of leadership renewal and potential within the community. The government will continue to monitor and support the development of future leaders across all sectors, including the Malay/Muslim community.