Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim resigned from all political offices on July 20, 2026, after his interactions with a woman were deemed to fall short of the standards expected of a political office holder and Member of Parliament [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Most of Faishal's contact with the woman occurred through online messages, with several meetings on the sidelines of public events [1, 2, 3, 4, 6]. Both parties made mutual harassment allegations, leading to a police investigation that found no criminal offences and no charges were filed against either party after consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers [1, 2, 3, 4, 6].
Faishal Ibrahim resigned as Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, as Member of Parliament for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, and as a member of the People’s Action Party (PAP) [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. He wrote a resignation letter to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stating there was no physical relationship with the woman and no intention for one to develop, but admitted a "lapse of judgment" in failing to set clearer boundaries earlier [2, 3, 4, 6].
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he was made aware of the matter about a month before the resignation when the Prime Minister’s Office received an email from the woman involved [1, 2, 3, 4]. Wong also confirmed that no criminal offence had been committed but said there was a separate question over whether Faishal’s conduct met the expected standards of a political office holder and MP [1].
Faishal publicly apologized in a Facebook post, saying, "I am deeply sorry to have let down my residents and supporters, who placed their trust in me" and vowed to spend more time with his family following his resignation [5, 7].
Senior Minister of State for Defence and Sustainability and the Environment Zaqy Mohamad was appointed Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs following Faishal’s departure [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8]. Zaqy expressed regret about the situation but pledged to continue serving the Muslim community and said he had witnessed Faishal’s dedication firsthand through their work on MENDAKI 2030 and TUNAS [8].
Faishal Ibrahim had served as an MP since 2006 and became Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs in 2025 [6, 8]. Many in the Muslim community expressed sadness and disappointment over his resignation [8].
