SINGAPORE: Singapore's Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Faishal Ibrahim, resigned from his position over his interactions with a woman, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in a statement on July 20.

Wong explained that most of their interactions took place through online messages, and they also met occasionally at public events.

He added that both individuals later accused each other of harassment, and the police investigated the matter.

The ruling People's Action Party, which has long promoted a clean and strict image, has faced several political scandals in recent years.

In 2023, former Transport Minister S. Iswaran was investigated for corruption, and some senior lawmakers resigned over personal affairs. At that time, former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the party had been affected by a series of scandals.

Wong said that in Faishal's case, neither person had committed a criminal offense, and no legal action would be taken. However, he said there was still a separate issue of whether Faishal's behavior met the standards expected of a political office holder and a member of parliament.

Faishal also stepped down from the People's Action Party. He had been a member of parliament since 2006 and became Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs in 2025.

In his resignation letter, which was published on the Prime Minister's Office website, Faishal said there had been no physical relationship between him and the woman, and he had not intended for their interactions to develop in that way. However, he admitted that he had shown poor judgment in handling the situation and had failed to set clear boundaries at an earlier stage.

Wong said he felt saddened that Faishal was leaving politics under these circumstances.

Faishal did not immediately respond to an email seeking his comment.

In 2024, S. Iswaran pleaded guilty to obstructing justice and accepting more than US$300,000 worth of gifts. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Last year, some Singapore ministers and a lawmaker also faced scrutiny for attending dinners with a convicted money launderer.

In 2023, two ministers were investigated for renting exclusive state-owned properties, but they were later cleared of wrongdoing.