Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim (pic) has resigned from political office over a “lapse of judgment” in handling his interactions with a woman, who is a member of the public.
Most of their interactions took place through online messages and they also met on the sidelines of public events, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in a statement yesterday.
Zaqy Mohamad, who is currently Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment and Defence, will take over as Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs.
Faishal, in a letter of resignation to Wong yesterday, said there was no physical relationship between him and the woman, and that he had not intended for the interactions to develop into one.
But he said that on reflection, he recognised that his conduct fell short of the standards expected of him and was not consistent with the responsibilities entrusted to him.
“There was a lapse of judgment on my part in the way I handled the interactions, and in failing to establish clearer boundaries at an earlier stage,” said Faishal, who also resigned as an MP for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC and from the PAP.
“I have therefore decided it is right for me to step away from politics so that I can devote my time and attention to my family.”
In his statement, Wong said the matter had come to his attention about a month ago when his office received an e-mail from the woman involved concerning her interactions with the minister.
Wong said he asked for the matter to be looked into immediately, and both Faishal and the woman were spoken to separately.
Both parties then made allegations of harassment against each other, and the matter was referred to the police.
The police investigated the allegations, and in consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, it was assessed that no criminal offence had been committed by either party and no criminal action would be taken.
But there was a separate question of whether Faishal’s conduct met the standards expected of a political office-holder and MP, said Wong.
“Upon reflecting on the matter, Associate Professor Faishal accepted that his conduct fell short of these standards, and tendered his resignation,” he said.
In a letter accepting Faishal’s resignation, Wong said: “I am saddened that you are leaving politics under these circumstances.
“But I appreciate your acknowledgement that your conduct fell short of the standards expected of you, and your decision to take responsibility for it.”
Faishal, 58, was also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and sat on the PAP’s central executive committee – its top leadership body.
The remaining four MPs in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC will continue to serve residents in Kembangan, Faishal’s ward, said Wong.
Under the law, his resignation will not automatically trigger a by-election.
In a Facebook post on July 20, Faishal said he is “deeply sorry” to have let down his residents and supporters who placed their trust in him.
“I know that this news will come as a surprise to many. I hope you will understand my decision not to say more, out of respect for my family’s privacy.”
Faishal, who is married with two children, said he will now be spending more time with his family.
“I’m grateful for their support, especially my wife who has been standing by me throughout this difficult period.” — The Straits Times/ANN
