Meng Chee Ng participated in a gathering with the Fujian-based crime associate Su Haijin, with no subsequent documented exchanges afterward.
Drawback in Singapore's political scene:
In a surprising turn of events, Singapore's newly elected Member of Parliament and Labour chief, Ng Chee Meng, finds himself embroiled in controversy, igniting discussions about the boundaries of political engagements. The controversy stems from a surfacing photograph showing Ng seated next to Shanghai-based money launderer Su Haijin at a dinner.
It's noteworthy to mention that Su was one of the 10 individuals convicted in the billion-dollar money laundering case in the previous year. The emergence of this photograph has sparked whispers and questions, raising objections about Ng's associations[1][2][3]. However, the authenticity of the photo remains unverified, and Ng hasn't addressed these specific allegations directly.
In an attempt to clear the air, Ng explained that such engagements with various companies and private sector leaders are part of his duties as the secretary-general of the NTUC. These encounters provide him with valuable insights into the concerns and challenges faced by different industries[4].
During these engagements, it's common for people to approach Ng for photographs, as was the case with this dinner[4]. Emphasizing the detached nature of these encounters, Ng clarified that he had no further interactions with Su after learning about the police investigations and criminal charges against the latter.
Following the controversy, Ng requested Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to refrain from assigning him any government position[5]. It's said that this decision may be influenced by several factors, such as the relatively narrow margin of his election victory, his role in the NTUC-Allianz deal, and the ongoing scrutiny he has been facing[1].
[1] https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/ng-chee-mengs-narrow-election-win-sparks-issues-for-paps-candidates[2] https://www.thestraitstimes.com/singapore/politics/nearly-a-quarter-of-polling-day-voters-didnt-vote-for-any-party[3] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/national-trade-union-cong-ntuc-sales-of-allianz-life-insurance-17213108[4] https://www. Straitstimes.com/politics/to-be-a-mp-beyond-party-policies-it-s-about-the-people[5] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pm-lawrence-wong-announces-appointment-of-law-ministers-for-pap-hawker-centre-2628275?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=Facebook&__twitter_impression=true
- The controversy surrounding Singapore's Member of Parliament, Ng Chee Meng, due to a photograph with money launderer Su Haijin, has brought forth questions about the limits of political engagements in general-news and crime-and-justice domains.
- Despite the controversy, Ng has clarified that his meetings with various companies and private-sector leaders, including the dinner with Su, are part of his duties as secretary-general of the NTUC, offering valuable insights into industries.
- The emergence of the photograph showing Ng with Su, who was convicted in a billion-dollar money laundering case, has sparked objections about Ng's associations in politics, with the authenticity of the photo yet to be verified.
- Following the controversy, Ng has requested Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to refrain from assigning him any government position, a decision that may be due to factors including his narrow election victory, his role in the NTUC-Allianz deal, and the ongoing scrutiny he faces.
