Facebook user Rich Sng, whose real name is Sng Chia Huat, has publicly apologised to Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, and NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng over Facebook posts he made about their dinners with Su Haijin — a central figure in Singapore’s $3 billion money laundering case.
Formal apology letters published
On May 16, Sng uploaded scanned copies of formal apology and undertaking letters addressed to Ong, Chee, and Ng. In them, he acknowledged that his posts conveyed damaging accusations, including claims of corruption, complicity, and dishonesty — all of which he now admits are “baseless, false, and completely without foundation.”
He also confirmed he had removed the Facebook posts and pledged not to make or repeat any similar allegations in the future.
What happened?
Earlier this month, Sng published viral Facebook posts implying that the three were aware of Su’s criminal activities and had condoned or benefited from their association with him. The posts sparked widespread attention during the GE2025 campaign period.
Ong, Chee, and Ng responded by issuing legal letters accusing Sng of defamation. They demanded a full retraction, a public apology, and compensation to be donated to charity. A deadline of May 16 was given.
What did he accuse them of?
In the letters, Sng acknowledged that his posts were understood to mean that:
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Ong Ye Kung and Chee Hong Tat were aware of Su Haijin’s criminal activities,
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Pretended not to know him,
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Accepted meals or favours from him in exchange for future benefits,
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Were part of a system that enabled or protected such individuals,
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And were susceptible to being bribed.
He made similar accusations against Ng Chee Meng, including that Ng failed to act against Su Haijin in order to gain or maintain benefits, and that his press statement defending his attendance at the dinner was dishonest.
“Unreserved apology”
In both letters, Sng offered an “unreserved apology” for the distress and embarrassment caused, and confirmed his intention to stay silent on the matter going forward.
As of now, it is not known if the three parties will proceed further with legal action or accept the apology and undertaking.
So, moral of the story? Can anyhowly eat things, but don’t anyhowly say and accuse people. Free speech doesn’t mean free from consequences. Talk is free, but you still need to own your words. If you go around spreading things that are baseless and got no proof, then better be ready to face the consequences.
