Singapore’s Acting Minister‑in‑charge of Muslim Affairs, Faishal Ibrahim, has resigned from both his Cabinet role and the People’s Action Party (PAP) following revelations about his “online interaction with a woman,” Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on Monday. Wong said the decision was made after a review of the interactions, most of which took place through online messages and occasional meetings at public events.
Both Faishal and the woman later filed harassment allegations against each other, prompting a police investigation. Authorities concluded that no criminal offence had been committed by either party, and no further action would be taken. Despite the absence of criminal wrongdoing, Wong emphasised that ministers are held to high standards of conduct, and Faishal’s resignation was necessary to maintain public trust.
Faishal, who entered Parliament in 2006, became the acting minister‑in‑charge of Muslim affairs in 2025. His departure adds to a growing list of political controversies for the PAP, a party long known for its “whiter than white” reputation. In 2023, then‑Transport Minister S. Iswaran was investigated for graft, and several senior lawmakers resigned over extramarital affairs — a series of scandals that former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged had damaged the party’s image.
The latest incident comes at a sensitive moment for Singapore’s leadership, as Wong continues consolidating his position after taking office. Analysts say the resignation underscores the PAP’s strict internal accountability but also highlights increasing public scrutiny of political figures.