SINGAPORE: Former public servant Goh Hanyan made a public appearance at the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) Meet-the-People Session (MPS) at Nee Soon Central on 7 April 2025, just four days after stepping down from her post at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI).
Her resignation, dated 3 April, came amid a broader trend of senior public servants leaving their roles in recent weeks.
The wave of resignations has stirred speculation that a general election may be approaching.
Goh, aged 39, was previously director in both the Smart Nation Strategy Office and the national artificial intelligence group for policy and strategy at MDDI.
She also held earlier positions under the Prime Minister’s Office, working on economic and sustainability strategies.
Shanmugam highlights Goh’s economic credentials, says she would be “a very good MP if elected”
At the PAP event, Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam addressed media questions about Goh’s potential political involvement.
According to state media The Straits Times, Shanmugam described her as “very experienced on the ground” and commended her background in both public administration and international economic development.
“She ran EDB’s Washington office for a number of years,” he said, referring to Goh’s decade-long tenure with the Economic Development Board, including three years posted in the United States.
“She has that experience of dealing with the MNCs, and the value proposition of Singapore from an economic perspective.”
Shanmugam added that Goh’s experience in job creation and investment promotion would serve any constituency well if she were to be elected as a Member of Parliament (MP).
“She will be a very good MP wherever she goes, if elected,” he stated.
Goh herself spoke briefly to reporters, confirming that she had been actively volunteering in various grassroots groups and had recently begun engaging with the Nee Soon community.
“I’m very much looking forward to more opportunities to serve the residents here and to work with the residents in the community,” she said.
She also emphasised the unique perspective she brings from her years in public service.
“As a former public servant, I bring to the table a global mindset and the knowledge of how policies are designed and implemented,” she noted.
The session at Nee Soon Central appeared to be more than a routine community outreach.
Also present were Jackson Lam, another new PAP face and former chairman of the party’s Hougang branch, as well as Lee Bee Wah, the retired former MP for Nee Soon South.
Lee, who served three terms before leaving politics in 2020, was described by Shanmugam as acting in a mentoring role.
Faishal Ibrahim absent from Nee Soon event amid sightings at Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC
The branch is currently overseen by Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, who has recently been seen at community events in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Group Representation Constituency (GRC).
The Straits Times reported that he was not present at the 7 April session.
Asked whether Faishal would continue representing Nee Soon GRC, Shanmugam said, “Things are not yet finalised. But my sense is that it is unlikely that Prof Faishal will be here.”
Goh’s high-profile appearance alongside Shanmugam and former PAP MP Lee Bee Wah draws attention
Goh’s growing public profile was also reflected on social media.
On 7 April, she shared photos on Instagram from the Nee Soon Central movie screening event, held the previous evening.
Dressed in white, a symbolic PAP colour, she appeared with party members and residents.
“Met so many happy families and cheerful little ones at Nee Soon Central’s screening of the movie, Hi Noel! yesterday evening,” she wrote. “The community spirit was in full force.”
View this post on Instagram
Separately, Goh also appeared in photos with Lee Bee Wah, which were shared on Lee’s public Facebook profile:
Former nominated MP Syed Harun Alhabsyi, a psychiatrist by training, has also been seen at several PAP events, including a walkabout at Yishun Park Hawker Centre on 3 April.
Shanmugam acknowledged Syed Harun’s presence, saying, “People have seen Dr Syed Harun here with us. I think that’s the way it looks now, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
Goh’s neutrality questioned after attending PAP’s MPS before resignation, ahead of GE2025
Despite the growing public exposure of new PAP faces, Goh’s transition from civil servant to political figure has not come without controversy.
According to CNA, she was seen attending another PAP MPS in Zhenghua on 17 March — more than two weeks before her official resignation from MDDI.
That earlier appearance raised questions among observers and legal professionals about the appropriate boundaries for civil servants engaging in politically affiliated events.
Law practitioner Yeoh Lian Chuan wrote publicly questioning whether Goh’s presence at the March event was in line with public service conduct.
“Since MPS is political in nature, wasn’t it improper for Goh to be present at the event and didn’t she jump the gun?” Yeoh commented.
Lee Hsien Loong in 2020: Public service leaders must remain apolitical
Although the Public Service Code of Conduct does not expressly prohibit participation in political activities, it strongly encourages maintaining political impartiality.
The principle is especially important for senior officials whose actions might influence public perception of the service’s neutrality.
In January 2020, then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had issued a reminder on this subject.
Speaking on the role of civil servants, Lee stated that public service leaders must remain non-political and be shielded from partisan interference.
“It is a fine balance – for the Public Service to be neutral and non-political, insulated from the hurly-burly of party politics, and yet politically sensitive and responsive to the nation’s priorities and aspirations. But this is inherent in the role of a public sector leader,” Lee said.
He emphasised that while close collaboration between ministers and public servants is essential, civil servants must not be perceived as partisan.
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