Health Minister Ong Ye Kung and Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat have clarified that they do not know Su Haijin personally, and have never had any dealings with him.
Their press secretaries explained that both ministers were invited to dinner by a friend, and Su Haijin happened to be there. They did not go there to meet him. Minister Ong also said he saw Su again at another dinner months later, but they were not connected in any way.
The ministers added that as public leaders, they attend many events and meet many people from different backgrounds. But that doesn’t mean they are personally close to everyone they meet. They also said they remain committed to acting with integrity and transparency.
What happen
The clarification came after photos had recently surfaced online showing the two ministers at the same dinner table as Su Haijin, a man who was involved in Singapore’s billion-dollar money laundering case and was later jailed.
This led to public concern and questions about whether the ministers were linked to Su or the case.
What about Ng Chee Meng?
Another photo is also circulating online showing Labour Chief Ng Chee Meng with Su Haijin. It is not yet confirmed if the photo is real. According to CNA, they have contacted Mr Ng for a response.
Who is Su Haijin?
Su Haijin is a Cypriot national who was jailed in April 2024 for money laundering. He was one of the main suspects in a case involving over S$3 billion in assets.
He made headlines in August 2023 after trying to escape police by jumping off a balcony during a raid. He was sentenced to 14 months in prison.
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that ministers regularly attend dinners and public events as part of their official duties. It would be unrealistic to expect them to screen the background of every attendee.
In today’s digital age, photos can easily be taken out of context to raise suspicion or stir controversy. A single image at a social event should not be mistaken for proof of endorsement or association.
Simply being at the same event as someone does not indicate a relationship. What matters is whether there was intent, involvement, or prior connection — and in this case, there was none.
Both ministers have been clear: they do not know Su Haijin personally and had no dealings with him or his actions.
