Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Singapore's Acting Minister for Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, announced his resignation from all political positions and membership in the ruling party after admitting that his behavior and interactions with a woman were "below the standard" expected of a politician, despite police finding no criminal wrongdoing.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated today (20 Jul) that Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim has submitted his resignation from the roles of Acting Minister for Muslim Affairs, Senior Minister of State at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Member of Parliament, and member of the People's Action Party (PAP), effective immediately.
Prime Minister Wong explained that about a month ago, the Prime Minister's Office received an email complaint from a woman concerning her interactions with Faishal. An immediate investigation was ordered, with both parties separately interviewed. Most communication occurred through online messages, with occasional meetings at public events.
Subsequently, both parties filed harassment complaints against each other, leading to an investigation by the Singapore Police Force. After reviewing facts and consulting the Attorney-General's Chambers, it was concluded that "no criminal offense was found on either side." Therefore, no legal action was taken after the joint investigation. The police determined there was insufficient evidence to charge either party with a crime.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong noted that although no legal wrongdoing was found, an important issue remained: whether the conduct of a political officeholder met the ethical standards expected by the public.
The Prime Minister said that after reviewing all circumstances, Associate Professor Faishal acknowledged his actions did not meet the standards expected of a politician and Member of Parliament, and thus chose to take responsibility by resigning from all positions.
In his resignation letter released to the media, Associate Professor Faishal, who is married with two children, stated the incident resulted from a lapse in judgment. Although he never had a physical relationship with the woman and never intended the relationship to develop romantically, he admitted he failed to properly establish appropriate boundaries from the start.
He said his actions were inconsistent with his assigned responsibilities, so he believed withdrawing from politics was the best choice to dedicate more time to his family. He also thanked the Prime Minister and the PAP for their support throughout his career.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong accepted the resignation and expressed regret that Associate Professor Faishal had to end his political career under such circumstances, while commending him for acknowledging his mistakes and taking responsibility.
The Prime Minister praised Associate Professor Faishal’s over 20 years of public service and political work, highlighting his key roles in policies strengthening community resilience, rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-offenders, supporting vulnerable families, and his dedicated service as a Member of Parliament.
Following the resignation, Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, will assume the role of Acting Minister for Muslim Affairs. Meanwhile, four other Members of Parliament from the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Group Representation Constituency will continue to serve the local community.
Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim began his political career with the PAP in April 2006 and was elected as a Member of Parliament multiple times. Since 2012, he held various ministry positions, including Transport, Health, Education, Social and Family Development, National Development, and Home Affairs, before his appointment as Acting Minister for Muslim Affairs in 2025.
Prior to politics, he was an academic at the National University of Singapore and worked as a property valuation officer at Singapore's Inland Revenue Authority.
,CNA