A 77-year-old man is accused of allegedly sexually assaulting his secretary's teenage daughter on various occasions over a few years, and causing her to become pregnant in 2015 when she was 17.

The Straits Times reported that the man sought to defend himself on Jul. 20, 2026, against 10 charges.

Charges

The man, who cannot be named to protect the victim's identity, is accused of committing obscene acts, as well as penetrating the victim on various occasions when she was between 14 and 16 years old.

ST reported that during the trial, the prosecution will call five witnesses to testify, including the victim and her mother.

In the Jul. 20 hearing closed to the media and public, the victim, now 27, was the prosecution's first witness.

She will testify that the man had lied to be 40 years old at the time of his alleged offences, the prosecution said, adding that he apparently alienated the girl from her family by saying that her father was a bad person.

Entered into relationship

At the time of his alleged offences, the insurance agent and business owner, then 64, became the caregiver to his secretary's teenage daughters in 2012, the prosecution said in its opening address.

His secretary had been diagnosed with breast cancer and her husband was busy working, ST reported.

The accused allegedly entered into a relationship with one of his secretary's daughters, then 14.

Having been a trusted family friend of the girl's mother, he had allowed the family to stay at one of his properties rent-free between 2012 and 2013.

He would also send the girl and her sister home after school, as well as send them to their tuition and enrichment classes.

Held hands, kissed girl

ST reported that according to court documents, there was one occasion in 2012 where man picked the victim up after school when she was in Secondary 2.

He then held her hand while inside his car, and the prosecution stated that she did not resist him despite feeling uncomfortable.

In the same year, he subsequently drove her to Mandai reservoir, where he reportedly kissed her on the lips after he had parked the car.

She also did not resist him though she felt uncomfortable, according to ST.

During this period, the man was said to have exchanged text messages with the girl, prosecutors said, adding that he would also take her out for meals.

Escalated advances, police report made

The prosecution added that the man then escalated his advances after the girl became desensitised to holding hands and kissing him.

He allegedly sexually assaulted her multiple times between 2012 and 2013 when she was under 16, ST reported.

After the girl turned 16 in 2014, the man allegedly continued to engage in penetrative sexual acts with her.

In early 2015, the girl reportedly became pregnant while in junior college and was accompanied by the man when she underwent an abortion in February that year.

ST reported that court documents showed no paternity test was conducted then.

Following this, the girl ended their relationship at the end of 2017 and subsequently reported the man to the police in August 2019.

Penalties

The trial is set to continue on Jul. 21, ST reported.

If convicted of sexual penetration of a minor who is above 14 years old but below 16 years of age, the man could be jailed for up to 20 years and fined.

If found guilty of committing obscene acts with a young person, the man could be jailed for up to five years and fined up to S$10,000.

When he learnt of Faishal Ibrahim’s interactions with a female member of the public, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's first reaction was “disbelief and shock”.

He even suspected that the contents of the woman's email were fabricated.

PM Wong was commenting on the issue during a press conference on the Cabinet reshuffle on Jul. 22.

The former Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs had resigned after his interactions with the unnamed woman fell short of "standards".

He also relinquished his roles as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, and as a People's Action Party (PAP) member.

'Very serious mistake'

PM Wong said that they first learnt of the issue when the woman sent an email to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), complaining about Faishal's interactions with her.

It was a very “detailed email”, containing screenshots and contents of the interaction, PM Wong explained.

“When I first saw it, my initial reaction was disbelief and shock. I thought that the contents were fabricated, but as it turns out, unfortunately, they were genuine, and the interactions did take place,” he said.

While he did not provide further details on the interactions in question, he stressed that Faishal had made a "very serious mistake", a fact which Faishal himself accepts.

Consequences not overly harsh

PM Wong also addressed a question on whether he felt the consequences were “overly harsh”.

This was in the light of recent online discourse, including a petition which called for PM Wong to reject the resignation.

It has since accumulated 1,215 signatures.

"Let me put it this way," PM Wong said.

"First, Faishal himself, reflecting on the matter, realised that it was not tenable for him to continue as an office holder and as an MP."

While Faishal had explained that he was trying his best to manage what he felt was an awkward situation, he nonetheless accepted that his responses to her were "objectively speaking, questionable and inappropriate".

"That's why he asked to stand down, and he asked and requested for privacy for himself and for his family, and we have respected that request as much as possible.”

Not a private matter

Following the matter, PM Wong said he had “tried [his] best” to see if there was a way for Faishal to continue in office regardless.

But it was not a "private matter between two private individuals and two consenting adults," he clarified.

“A complaint has been made against him; it has entered the public arena, and that's why we have to undertake this objectively, undergo a process where we listen to both parties, and we certainly took pains to listen to Faishal's explanations as well,” he said.

But after examining the evidence and the facts, it was clear that his conduct had “fallen short of the standards” that were expected of him.

As such, Faishal’s decision to resign was the “right course of action to take”, he said.

He also acknowledged that as the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Faishal had certain expectations of him from the Malay-Muslim community.

But the same standards would be applied to every PAP MP in the “same way”, he said.

"The code of conduct is not new. The standards are not new... Does it make it more challenging to attract people? Perhaps it does.

...I understand that, but we have to maintain the high standards. It is necessary in order... to uphold trust in our system."

Done good work, but no exceptions

Calling the loss "difficult and painful", PM Wong said he understands the outpouring of support and sympathy for him from Singaporeans, and especially from the Malay-Muslim community.

He has "done good work wherever he went as MP and as office holder", and the incident does not diminish his contributions to Singapore over the past 20 years, he added.

However, PM Wong contended that making an exception for Faishal would only cause “more damage and harm” to Singapore.

“In the end, we look at the evidence. We have to do the right thing, and we have to continue to uphold the trust that Singaporeans have in our political system and in our public institutions," he said.

"It's very sad. It's very unfortunate, but we have to move forward from here."

Related stories

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced a new line-up for the Cabinet on Jul. 22.

This reshuffle sees five officeholders promoted, including two newly appointed, and several changes at the Minister of State (MOS) and Senior Minister of State (SMS) level.

The new appointees will be sworn in on Jul. 27, 2026.

"We are continuing our leadership transition with younger and newer members of the team taking on larger responsibilities," PM Wong said at the Jul. 22 press conference.

"At the same time, we are maintaining continuity and experience in the core leadership team. This balance matters because Singapore needs both experienced leaders who steer through immediate challenges and a new generation ready to take us forward."

During the press conference, PM Wong described it as a "renewal", sharing that "over time we will see more of the 5G emerge from this process".

Promotions

Jeffrey Siow (previously Acting Minister for Transport and SMS for Finance) will be promoted to Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance.

David Neo (previously Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and SMS for Education) will be promoted to Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Second Minister for Education.

Sim Ann (previously SMS for Foreign and Home Affairs) will be promoted to Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Home Affairs.

Jasmin Lau (previously MOS for Digital Development and Information, and Education) will be promoted to Acting Minister for Manpower and SMS for Digital Development and Information.

Goh Pei Ming (previously MOS for Home Affairs, and Social and Family Development) will be promoted to SMS for Home Affairs, and Social and Family Development.

Foo Cexiang will become MOS for Manpower, and Trade and Industry from Sep. 1, 2026.

Shawn Loh will become MOS for Education, and Health from Jan. 1, 2027.

Moves & new appointments

K Shanmugam will become Senior Minister. He will also continue in his roles as Coordinating Minister for National Security, and Minister for Home Affairs.

Tan See Leng will become Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), and relinquish his role as Minister for Manpower.

Ng Chee Meng, the Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), will become Minister in the Prime Minister's Office.

Zaqy Mohamad was appointed Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs on Jul. 20. He will continue in his roles as SMS for Defence, and relinquish his role as SMS for Sustainability and the Environment.

Alvin Tan will become MOS for Foreign Affairs. He will continue in his role as MOS for National Development, and relinquish his role as MOS for Trade and Industry.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim will become MOS for Home Affairs. He will continue in his role as MOS for Foreign Affairs, and relinquish his role as MOS for Social and Family Development.

Renaming of MTI

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) will be renamed the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry from Oct. 1, 2026.

The new name reflects the ministry's growing focus on energy matters.

"Energy is becoming increasingly central to Singapore's economic competitiveness, industrial transformation, and long-term resilience," PM Wong explained at the press conference.

Complete list of Cabinet appointments

Prime Minister's Office

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong

Senior Minister K Shanmugam [NEW]

Ministers: Indranee Rajah and Ng Chee Meng [NEW]

Senior Minister of State: Desmond Tan

Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth

Minister: David Neo [NEW]

Senior Minister of State: Low Yen Ling

Ministers of State: Baey Yam Keng, Dinesh Vasu Dash

Senior Parliamentary Secretary: Goh Hanyan

Ministry of Digital Development and Information

Minister: Josephine Teo

Senior Ministers of State: Tan Kiat How, Jasmin Lau [NEW]

Minister of State: Rahayu Mahzam

Ministry of Defence

Minister: Chan Chun Sing

Senior Minister of State: Zaqy Mohamad

Minister of State: Desmond Choo

Ministry of Education

Minister: Desmond Lee

Second Minister: David Neo [NEW]

Senior Minister of State: Janil Puthucheary

Minister of State: Shawn Loh

Senior Parliamentary Secretary: Syed Harun Alhabsyi

Ministry of Finance

Minister: Lawrence Wong

Second Ministers: Indranee Rajah, Jeffrey Siow [NEW]

Senior Parliamentary Secretary: Shawn Huang

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Minister: Vivian Balakrishnan

Second Minister: Sim Ann [NEW]

Ministers of State: Gan Siow Huang, Alvin Tan [NEW], Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim

Ministry of Health

Minister: Ong Ye Kung

Senior Ministers of State: Tan Kiat How

Ministers of State: Rahayu Mahzam, Shawn Loh [NEW]

Ministry of Home Affairs

Minister: K Shanmugam

Second Ministers: Edwin Tong, Sim Ann [NEW]

Senior Minister of State: Goh Pei Meng [NEW]

Minister of State: Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim [NEW]

Ministry of Law

Minister: Edwin Tong

Senior Minister of State: Murali Pillai

Senior Parliamentary Secretary: Eric Chua

Ministry of Manpower

Minister: Jasmin Lau (Acting Minister) [NEW]

Minister of State: Dinesh Vasu Dash, Foo Cexiang [NEW]

Senior Parliamentary Secretary: Shawn Huang

Ministry of National Development

Minister: Chee Hong Tat 

Second Minister: Indranee Rajah

Senior Minister of State: Sun Xueling

Minister of State: Alvin Tan

Senior Parliamentary Secretary: Syed Harun Alhabsyi

Ministry of Social and Family Development

Minister: Masagos Zulkifli

Desmond Lee (i/c of Social Service Integration)

Ministers of State: Goh Pei Ming [NEW]

Senior Parliamentary Secretary: Eric Chua

Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment

Minister: Grace Fu

Senior Minister of State: Janil Puthucheary

Senior Parliamentary Secretary: Goh Hanyan

Ministry of Trade and Industry

Ministers: Gan Kim Yong (Trade), Tan See Leng (Energy & Industry) [NEW]

Grace Fu (i/c of Trade Relations)

Senior Minister of State: Low Yen Ling

Minister of State: Gan Siow Huang, Foo Cexiang [NEW]

Ministry of Transport

Minister: Jeffrey Siow [NEW]

Senior Ministers of State: Sun Xueling, Murali Pillai

Minister of State: Baey Yam Keng

Mayors

Central: Denise Phua

North East: Baey Yam Keng

North West: Alex Yam

South East: Dinesh Vasu Dash

South West: Low Yen Ling

As part of the Jul. 22 Cabinet reshuffle, Jasmin Lau will be promoted to Acting Minister for Manpower and will relinquish her role as Minister of State for Education.

She will also be promoted from Minister of State to Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information.

The 43-year-old will be taking over the manpower role from Tan See Leng, who helmed the ministry since 2021.

Tan will be appointed Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry).

Lau joins GE2025 debutants David Neo and Jeffrey Siow in Cabinet ministerial positions, the latter of whom were promoted to Ministers for Culture, Community and Youth, and for Transport, respectively.

They have yet to be co-opted into the People's Action Party's Central Executive Committee.

Lau's new appointments, along with those in the new Cabinet, will take effect on Jul. 27, 2026.

'Big shoes to fill': Lau

During the Jul. 22 press conference on the Cabinet reshuffle, Lau thanked Minister for Education Desmond Lee and her colleagues at MOE for their "guidance and partnership" in the past year.

She then turned to MOM and Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng, noting that she has "big shoes to fill".

"Jobs are on everyone's minds right now, and rightly so," Lau said.

Technology is causing disruption and workers and companies are "trying their best to navigate this change".

On this, Lau said:

"Our responsibility going forward is to help them through this change. This will mean looking at how we uplift our workers in the most vulnerable segments, helping Singaporeans cope with more free work career transitions, and also ensuring that lifelong learning is genuinely accessible and relevant."

Lau also said she will "keep a close eye" on retirement adequacy.

Noting her experience working in MOM from 2008 to 2010, Lau recognised that the workforce landscape has "changed significantly".

"So I do look forward to working with MOM colleagues this round," she added.

Lau also thanked PM Wong for "entrusting [her] with this role" and said that she is "ready to do [her] best".

Extensive civil service career

Lau, who holds a Master's degree in technology and policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has an extensive career in civil service.

She was Deputy Secretary (Policy) at the Ministry of Health (MOH) before resigning from the role to run in GE2025 in Ang Mo Kio GRC.

After her successful election in 2025, she was made Minister of State for Digital Development and Information and for Education.

During her time in the roles, Lau spoke often about the impact of AI, such as during this year's Singapore Perspectives forum organised by the Institute of Policy Studies.

She also co-chaired one of the committees during the government's Economic Strategy Review.

K Shanmugam will be appointed as Senior Minister (SM) on Jul. 27.

He will continue to hold his appointments as Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs.

Shanmugam is the first senior minister to take on the position while simultaneously overseeing other ministerial portfolios.

The new appointment was announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the Cabinet reshuffle on Jul. 22.

New title

Shanmugam entered politics in 1988 and was first appointed a Cabinet minister on May 1, 2008.

He is one of the longest-serving ministers in the Cabinet under the People’s Action Party (PAP).

The lawyer by profession served as the Minister for Law from 2008 to 2025, and Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2011 to 2015.

He took on the Coordinating Minister appointment and relinquished his Law portfolio in the last Cabinet reshuffle in May 21, 2025.

Senior ministers

Shanmugam is the first senior minister to retain other ministerial portfolios while serving in the position.

The only other senior minister in the current Cabinet is former prime minister Lee Hsien Loong.

SM Lee was appointed a senior minister after he stepped down as prime minister on May 15, 2024, relinquishing the role to current PM Lawrence Wong.

During a press conference announcing the Cabinet reshuffle, PM Wong said that Shanmugan and SM Lee are the two most experienced members of his team.

"They continue to provide valuable counsel and will help guide and mentor our younger officeholders," he said.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) will be renamed to the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI) with effect from Oct. 1, 2026.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the new name during the Cabinet reshuffle on Jul. 22.

PM Wong said that energy is becoming increasingly central to Singapore's economic competitiveness, industrial transformation and long-term resilience.

The new name reflects the ministry’s growing focus on energy matters, which are vital to Singapore's economic competitiveness and future, the government said in a press statement.

Led by two ministers

The ministry will also be led by two ministers, PM Wong announced.

Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Gan Kim Yong, who is the current Minister for Trade and Industry, will continue to oversee trade and broader economic strategy.

Tan See Leng will relinquish his role as Minister for Manpower Jul. 27, and take on a new role as Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry).

PM Wong shared that Tan will oversee energy and industry, adding that he has already been closely involved in these areas as the Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology.

“Now, he will devote his full attention to this portfolio, and relinquish his responsibilities at MOM,” PM Wong said.

In response to questions about the splitting of responsibilities between the two ministers, PM Wong explained that energy is a "very key segment" of the ministry's work, making the scope of work for the ministry larger.

"It's not just a matter of name, but it reflects the central role that energy plays, and because the work of METI is now so large, we think, and I think it's appropriate for two ministers to helm it," he added.

PM Wong further explained that Gan will continue to focus on trade, which he described as "a lot of work".

"Because we have to do lots of travelling — and in today's environment with the sort of geopolitical changes we are experiencing — a lot of negotiations around trade, as you might expect," he said

Separately, as energy and industry are becoming more important, having a co-minister rather than a second minister leading these portfolios felt "appropriate", he said.

He also noted that this is "somewhat unique, but not unusual", citing how there were previously two ministers in the education portfolio from 2015 to 2018.

Why not an energy ministry?

On the rationale for not establishing a separate energy ministry, PM Wong said that while he is not ruling it out in the future, the energy role and work is still "growing" at this juncture.

"It's not stabilised yet, and it's not clear how it will evolve in the next few years, depending on decisions we make, depending on the feasibility studies we are undertaking," he said.

He explained that they might make a move to "restructure" further when it is necessary to do so.

"So I'm not ruling it out, but I think this move is necessary for now, and appropriate for now, given today's circumstance."

Energy is an existential resource

The ministry said in a press release that energy is an "existential resource" for Singapore, just like water.

The ministry also laid out steps they had taken to secure Singapore's energy future in recent years:

a. Constructing a second LNG terminal and centralising gas procurement for the power sector;

b. Ramping up efforts to deploy solar energy across all viable surfaces, including rooftops and reservoirs;

c. Pursuing new partnerships to import low-carbon electricity from our ASEAN neighbours;

d. Studying seriously the viability of various low-carbon energy technologies, especially nuclear energy; and

e. Launching an S$800 million “Decarbonisation Grand Challenge” to fund technological advancements critical to Singapore’s decarbonisation.

This renaming therefore reflects "Singapore’s growing focus on energy, and how it remains vital to our economic growth, climate goals, and national resilience," the ministry said.

It added that there are three critical challenges to address.

Firstly, economic growth depends on continued access to "stable and competitively priced energy", it said.

Secondly, there is also a need to balance this with the transition to a low-carbon economy according to Singapore’s 2050 net-zero ambitions.

The minister said this is a "challenging task", given that Singapore is alternative-energy disadvantaged.

Lastly, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to global energy supplies are a reminder that energy security "cannot be taken for granted", the ministry emphasised.

"METI will work with all Singaporeans and businesses to build a secure, affordable, and sustainable energy system that will power our next phase of growth and development," it said.

Labour chief Ng Chee Meng will be appointed Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, reprising his last-held Cabinet position in 2020.

His appointment, part of the latest Cabinet reshuffle announced on Jul. 22, marks his return to Cabinet and government office.

Ng will be serving alongside Indranee Rajah, who herself took on the post of Minister in the Prime Minister's Office in 2018.

He will also continue to serve as the Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).

Ng's appointment also means that he will be able to sit in on Cabinet meetings.

The new appointments are due to take effect on Jul. 27, 2026.

Jobs and workforce transformation key government priorities: PM Wong

Commenting on Ng's appointment, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that jobs and workforce transformation are "among the government's highest priorities".

"There is important work ahead for both the government and NTUC, as we help our workers navigate these changes," PM Wong remarked.

"I have therefore asked [Ng] to return to Cabinet. He will strengthen the government team as we tackle the challenges ahead."

When asked by the media what has changed since Ng's request not to join Cabinet last year, PM Wong said that he has since "settled in" to Jalan Kayu, having spent the past year working the ground.

He reiterated that jobs and workplace transformation have also "become a much higher priority" for the government, in the face of which Ng's return would be "timely".

"I felt given the concerns of our economic and workforce challenges we face, it was timely for him to return to the government, to return to cabinet, and contribute not just as Secretary-General of NTUC, but as a minister in my team... So I approached him, and he agreed to do so," Wong said.

'Humbled by this appointment'

In a statement, Ng thanked PM Wong for inviting him to serve in Cabinet and said he was "humbled by this appointment and accept it with a strong sense of responsibility".

He added that over the past year, they have built a "capable team" in Jalan Kayu, and thanked his residents for their trust and encouragement.

"As NTUC Secretary-General and a Cabinet Minister, I will continue to champion better wages, welfare and work prospects for workers. Being in Cabinet means I can work even more closely with the government to support workers and Singapore's progress, alongside unions and employers," he added.

In a separate statement, NTUC said that the central committee members had "understood and accepted" his previous decision to focus on Jalan Kayu, but that they are "heartened" to know that he has since accepted the invitation to join the Cabinet.

"We firmly believe that [Ng's] return to Cabinet will strengthen the voice of workers in national policymaking at a time when Singapore is navigating significant economic transformation, technological disruption and workforce change."

Had asked not to be given government position after GE2025

Following his election during GE2025, Ng had asked Prime Minister Lawrence Wong not to appoint him to a position in government, to allow him to focus on his work as Member of Parliament (MP) in Jalan Kayu SMC.

PM Wong said that he would respect Ng's wishes, but that his exclusion from cabinet as the labour chief would be a "temporary arrangement".

He explained that the "NTUC Secretary-General has traditionally held a position in Cabinet" and that he values the link between the government and the trade union.

"I look forward to having the labour chief being part of the Cabinet before too long," PM Wong also said.

A 49-year-old former Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) principal tax investigator was charged with allegedly accessing taxpayer information illegally in response to queries from friends and acquaintances.

Mansur, whose alias is Thio Shuang Liuong, faced 20 charges under the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act and a charge under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) on Jul. 22, CNA reported.

Loh Chee Wee, a 50-year-old director of Transstar Asia, also faced a charge under OSA for allegedly receiving protected information from Mansur.

Between May 2014 and January 2016, Mansur allegedly used his IRAS account to gain unauthorised access to the IRAS computer systems.

He apparently obtained tax information relating to individuals and companies on multiple occasions.

On Jul. 29, 2014, Loh purportedly queried Mansur on whether a company sharing office space with Transstar Asia was being investigated by IRAS.

Mansur allegedly obtained information from the IRAS systems and disclosed it to Loh.

Loh was apparently not authorised to receive such information.

According to CNA, Mansur was unrepresented and told the court he intends to engage a lawyer.

Both men reportedly did not indicate a plea.

Both of their cases were adjourned to Aug. 19.

Under the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act, offenders convicted of unauthorised access to computer material are liable to a jail term up to two years, a fine up to S$5,000, or both.

Under OSA, offenders convicted of an offence are liable to a jail term of up to two years and a fine up to S$2,000.

The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has taken action against eight nightclubs since 2021 and imposed over S$6.8 million in taxes and penalties for improper tax declarations of flower garland sales, according to The Straits Times.

IRAS had in a Jul. 3 article reminded businesses of their tax obligations and said some nightclubs have tried “creative” ways to account for the income from garland sales.

What are flower garlands?

Customers buy garlands as a form of appreciation for club performers, who get a portion of the amount paid.

IRAS said GST applies to the full value of the flower garland sales, not just the portion the nightclub keeps.

Businesses should not under-report their tax obligations and must keep proper records, or else they can be penalised.

15 per cent withholding tax

IRAS also said performers, who are non-residents, are subjected to a 15 per cent withholding tax on the salaries and the money they receive from flower garland sales.

Nightclubs are required to file and pay the withholding tax on this income to IRAS by the 15th of the second month from the date of payment to these non-resident performers.

IRAS added that it conducts regular risk-based tax audits to ensure accurate tax filings in all industries.

Businesses have to verify the completeness and accuracy of their tax reporting and submit their supporting documents when requested by IRAS.

2022 case

In 2022, Soon Kok Khoon was jailed and had to pay S$630,861 for evading taxes and omitting goods and services tax (GST).

He operated Club Posh Entertainment and West Palace Entertainment, where flower garlands cost between S$50 and S$100,000.

He made his staff channel the sales revenue of the GST-registered clubs to two shell entities that were not GST-registered.

Accountants were told to leave out the clubs’ revenue from the sale of flower garlands and the output tax.

Coordinating Minister for National Security of Singapore K. Shanmugam has provided more details on the circumstances surrounding Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim's resignation.

Faishal, who served as Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, and was Member of Parliament for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, announced on Jul. 20 that he was resigning from political office and relinquishing his role as an MP, and a member of the People's Action Party.

In a statement issued the same day, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had received an email from a female member of the public concerning her interactions with Faishal.

The matter was investigated immediately.

The PMO said that after considering the facts and consulting the Attorney-General's Chambers, it was assessed that neither party had committed a criminal offence and hence no criminal action would be taken against either of them.

However, PM Wong said a separate question remained over whether Faishal's conduct met the standards expected of a political office-holder and MP.

Faishal acknowledged that his conduct fell short of those standards.

Woman sent messages and pictures to PM Wong

In a Facebook post on Jul. 22, Shanmugam said Faishal had engaged in a series of online interactions with the woman.

According to him, Faishal explained that he was concerned the woman might react negatively if he abruptly ended communication with her.

"Nevertheless, his responses were, objectively, inappropriate and questionable. They come across as engaging with her. Indeed, that was how the lady interpreted his responses, and said she was encouraged to continue," Shanmugam wrote.

He added that the woman later became upset when Faishal tried to put a stop to the online exchanges.

She subsequently emailed PM Wong, attaching some of the messages and photographs, and alleged that Faishal had harassed her.

Shanmugam said both Faishal and the woman made allegations of harassment against each other, and the matter was referred to the police for investigation.

At that point, the incident "ceased being a purely private, consensual matter between two individuals", he wrote.

As the woman had lodged a complaint against a public office-holder, the PMO had to assess whether Faishal's conduct was appropriate, Shanmugam said, adding that Faishal was given a fair hearing.

"Regardless of his intentions, one has to look at the evidence and facts. Faishal himself reflected on the matter and acknowledged that he should not have allowed his exchanges with the lady to carry on, and he should have established clear boundaries from the start. He also came to the conclusion that his position as MP and Minister was untenable. That is why he decided to resign and PM accepted his resignation."

Shanmugam added that the standards governing such situations had previously been set out by first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew and former prime minister Lee Hsien Loong:

"The principle is straightforward. Where a matter remains entirely private and inappropriate conduct stops after counselling, it can remain a private matter. But when the matter enters the public domain through a complaint or otherwise, it must be examined and if there has been impropriety appropriate action must follow."

"A very sad situation"

All in all, this is a very sad situation, Shanmugam wrote.

He described Faishal as a "good, honest, humble, hardworking man, who really cares for the people", adding that he had known him for over two decades:

"He is my friend and comrade."

Having worked closely with Faishal in Nee Soon GRC for 15 years and more recently at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Shanmugam said he had come to know him as someone focused on making a difference to the lives of others.

"He is a true gem. His heart is in the right place – to serve the people," he said. "I haven’t come across many people, in or out of government, better than Faishal."

Faishal's contributions were "extensive"

Shanmugam also highlighted three examples of Faishal's contributions to the community:

1. About a decade ago, Faishal started the 100=50 initiative in Nee Soon Central to help lower-income residents purchase groceries at more affordable prices, an initiative Shanmugam said has helped many families over the years.
2. Faishal also took up Chinese calligraphy as a way of bringing people together across communities, personally writing calligraphy pieces of residents during Chinese New Year celebrations.
3. During the Covid-19 pandemic, when multiple cases were detected at a block in Nee Soon Central, Faishal personally visited affected residents to reassure them and address their concerns.

Shanmugam added that Faishal has never hesitated to help residents personally, driving residents with mobility issues to and from their homes on some occasions.

While these were only three examples, he said the examples were not isolated ones and that Faishal's contributions were extensive:

"They are consistent with the way Faishal has approached public service throughout his career. That is the man I have known for more than 15 years."

"I hope that he will recover from this tragic turn in his life and will find ways to contribute in different ways to the community and Singapore," he said.

Related stories