Singapore billionaire Sam Goi has clarified that private dinners involving himself, convicted money launderer Su Haijin, and several Cabinet ministers were conducted in full compliance with Covid-19 regulations.
Goi, known as the “popiah king,” issued a new statement on 9 May following the circulation of photos from the dinners on social media.
Goi stated that according to his records, the gatherings took place on three separate dates: 19 November 2020 with Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, 1 May 2021 with NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, and 10 May 2022 with Health Minister Ong Ye Kung.
He asserted that each dinner followed the COVID-19 safe management measures in effect at the time.
At the time of the dinner with Ng in May 2021—Labour Day—social distancing guidelines permitted gatherings of up to eight people.
Goi, speaking to Bloomberg News from mainland China, had earlier described the dinners as informal gatherings organised for friends. He reiterated that he paid for the meals personally and that they took place before the implementation of major Covid-19 restrictions in 2020.
Ministers address social media speculation
The dinners have come under public scrutiny after photos surfaced online showing Su Haijin dining with Ong, Chee, and other prominent figures.
This occurred after the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) strong performance in the 3 May general election. Former Reform Party chairman Charles Yeo shared the images on social media, questioning the ministers’ association with Su.
The ministers involved have denied any personal or professional relationship with Su.
On 6 May, press secretaries for Ong and Chee issued a joint statement explaining that both ministers attended the dinners at the invitation of a friend. The statement reiterated that the ministers did not know Su personally.
Ng, who narrowly retained Jalan Kayu SMC in the recent election, also addressed the issue, confirming his presence at the dinner and stating that it was part of his professional duty to engage with business leaders.
Ng noted that he had not interacted with Su following the money laundering charges.
Yeo, in one of his Instagram posts, shared a WhatsApp message purportedly sent by Su on 24 September 2021.
The message, which included a photo of Su dining with Ng, appeared to contradict Goi’s timeline. In the message, Su remarked: “What do you think? I’m having dinner with the minister.”
This discrepancy has prompted questions about the accuracy of Goi’s earlier statements.
Su Haijin, a Cypriot national, was implicated in a S$3 billion money laundering operation—one of Singapore’s largest financial crimes—after being arrested in August 2023.
According to an update from Minister Josephine Teo on the case in October 2023, the police initially received disparate information regarding suspicious activities.
In 2021, Singapore’s anti-money laundering regime detected several signals, including the use of suspected forged documents to substantiate sources of funds in local bank accounts.
Some Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) were filed by financial institutions and other companies, prompting the police to initiate separate investigations into these alerts.
In early 2022, the police launched a comprehensive and coordinated intelligence probe, uncovering a network of individuals believed to be connected through familial and other ties.
Following extensive intelligence efforts, thorough reviews of information, and examination of evidence, the police took decisive action against the suspects on 15 August 2023.
Su was subsequently sentenced to 14 months in prison on 4 April 2024 and deported to Cambodia on 28 May 2024.
Declaration of gifts?
The incident has raised questions regarding the propriety of the ministers’ participation in these dinners, particularly since Goi has confirmed that he organised and paid for them.
Under Singapore’s Public Service Code of Conduct, any gift or benefit exceeding S$50 must be declared. Furthermore, the PAP’s 2020 Rules of Prudence advise MPs to avoid accepting hospitality that may imply obligation or influence.
“Gift hampers on festive occasions, dinners and entertainment, and personal favours big and small are just some of the countless social lubricants which such people use to ingratiate themselves to MPs and make you obligated to them,” wrote former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
As of publication, it remains unclear whether the ministers declared these dinners, as required by civil service rules. Media queries were sent to Ong and Chee on 6 May to seek clarification, but no response has been received.
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