Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad has been co-opted into the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) central executive committee (CEC), the party announced on July 22. The 51-year-old also assumes the role of chair of the party’s Malay Affairs Bureau, succeeding former chairman Faishal Ibrahim.

Faishal, who had held positions as Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and MP for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Group Representation Constituency (GRC), resigned from his political roles and left the PAP on July 20 following a “lapse of judgment” related to his interactions with a woman. Having served in politics for two decades, Faishal stepped down from both his parliamentary seat and party membership.

Zaqy, who serves as Senior Minister of State for Defence, will take over Faishal’s Muslim Affairs portfolio and relinquish his responsibilities at the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment following the Cabinet changes. With Zaqy’s inclusion, the CEC now comprises 18 members.

At a briefing held at the National Press Centre, Zaqy acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors in laying a strong foundation for the role. He emphasized the importance of maintaining trust by staying connected with the community, listening attentively, and standing alongside them during challenges.

In the weeks ahead, Zaqy said he plans to engage with various segments of the community to gain a deeper understanding of their concerns and to collaborate on addressing them. He highlighted that serving the community extends beyond individual leadership, describing it as a collective effort aimed at fostering unity.

The appointments and changes come amid efforts by the PAP to maintain stable leadership within its Malay Affairs Bureau and ensure continued engagement with the Muslim community in Singapore.