SINGAPORE: The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has called for a full and transparent investigation into the involvement of government ministers in a series of private dinners with Su Haijin, a businessman later convicted of money laundering.
In a statement issued on 14 May 2025, the opposition party urged the establishment of a public and independent Commission of Inquiry.
The call comes after a photograph circulated online shortly after the General Election, showing two ministers and National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng attending a dinner where Su was present.
The SDP expressed “great concern” over the ministers’ attendance, warning that failing to address such an incident could tarnish Singapore’s long-standing reputation for clean governance and accountability.
The party has submitted several questions it believes the government must answer in the interest of transparency.
These include clarifying the purpose of the dinners and whether they were social events, fundraisers, or discussions of official matters.
The presence of cabinet ministers and the NTUC chief suggests the gatherings carried a certain significance, the SDP argued.
The party also asked whether the events occurred during COVID-19 restrictions, which would raise compliance issues with government regulations at the time.
Another key point raised was the vetting of guests at such functions.
Given the political sensitivities involved, the SDP questioned whether attendees were screened to avoid the appearance of impropriety.
It also asked whether the ministers attended the dinners in their personal or official capacities, and if the events were disclosed to government authorities.
The ministers identified in photographs or linked to the events include Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, and NTUC chief Ng Chee Meng.
All three were seen in separate dinners with Su Haijin between 2020 and 2022.
Su, a Cypriot national originally from Fujian, was arrested on 15 August 2023 during a sweeping anti-money laundering operation.
He was later convicted and deported to Cambodia on 28 May 2024.
On 9 May 2025, businessman Sam Goi issued a statement clarifying the details of the dinners, which took place on 19 November 2020, 1 May 2021, and 10 May 2022.
He said the dinners were held at high-end restaurants, including Tong Le Private Dining, TungLok Signatures, and Teochew Restaurant Huat Kee.
Goi added that he had personally covered all costs, but did not explain Su’s inclusion in the guest lists.
When approached by The Straits Times, a spokesperson for Goi declined to elaborate on Su’s invitation.
The ministers involved have since denied any personal or professional ties to Su.
On 6 May, the press secretaries for Ong and Chee released a joint statement.
It stated that both ministers had attended the dinners at a friend’s invitation and did not know Su personally.
Ng Chee Meng, who recently retained Jalan Kayu SMC, said he had attended one dinner as part of his official engagement with business leaders.
He emphasised that he had no further contact with Su following the latter’s legal troubles.
Despite these clarifications, the controversy has prompted public scrutiny over whether ministers had adhered to ethical standards.
Goi’s confirmation that he paid for the dinners raised concerns regarding undeclared benefits.
Singapore’s Public Service Code of Conduct mandates the declaration of any gift or benefit exceeding S$50.
Additionally, the ruling People’s Action Party’s 2020 Rules of Prudence advise MPs to avoid accepting hospitality that could imply undue influence.
Former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in outlining the rules, warned against gifts and entertainment used to cultivate political favour.
The SDP concluded its statement by urging Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to directly address the issue.
The party said silence in the wake of such revelations, especially so soon after the general election, was not an option.
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