Singapore billionaire Sam Goi has addressed concerns surrounding private dinners he hosted between 2020 and 2022, confirming that gatherings involving himself, convicted money launderer Su Haijin, and several Cabinet ministers adhered to prevailing Covid-19 regulations.
Goi, often referred to as the “popiah king,” issued a statement on May 9 after images of the dinners circulated on social media platforms. He stated that his records indicate three separate dinners: on November 19, 2020, with Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat; on May 1, 2021, with NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng; and on May 10, 2022, with Health Minister Ong Ye Kung. Goi asserted that each occasion complied with the safe management measures in effect at the time, noting that during the May 2021 dinner with Ng, regulations permitted gatherings of up to eight individuals.
Speaking previously to Bloomberg News from mainland China, Goi characterized the dinners as informal social events for friends and stated he personally covered the costs. He also mentioned these occurred before significant Covid-19 restrictions were implemented in 2020, though this appears to be contradicted by his later provided dates of 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The dinners drew public attention after photos appeared online showing Su Haijin with Ong, Chee, and other notable figures, following the People’s Action Party’s performance in the May 3 general election. Former Reform Party chairman Charles Yeo shared these images, questioning the ministers’ connection to Su.
The involved ministers have denied any personal or professional ties to Su. Press secretaries for Ong and Chee released a joint statement on May 6, explaining the ministers attended at a friend’s invitation and did not know Su personally. Ng Chee Meng, who retained his seat in the recent election, also confirmed his attendance, characterising it as part of his official duties to engage with business leaders and stating he had no interaction with Su after money laundering charges were filed.
However, a discrepancy arose when Yeo shared a WhatsApp message purportedly from Su dated September 24, 2021, which included a photo of Su dining with Ng and a remark, “What do you think? I’m having dinner with the minister.” This message’s date appears to contradict Goi’s timeline for the dinner with Ng.
Su Haijin, a Cypriot national, was implicated in a S$3 billion money laundering operation, one of Singapore’s largest financial crime cases, following his arrest in August 2023. According to an October 2023 update from Minister Josephine Teo, police investigations into suspicious activities began in 2021, with a comprehensive probe launched in early 2022. Su was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment on April 4, 2024, and deported to Cambodia on May 28, 2024.
The revelation that Goi organised and paid for the dinners has raised questions regarding the ministers’ adherence to ethical guidelines. Singapore’s Public Service Code of Conduct requires the declaration of gifts or benefits exceeding S$50. Furthermore, the PAP’s 2020 Rules of Prudence advise Members of Parliament to avoid accepting hospitality that could imply obligation or influence. As of the time of the report, it remains unclear if the ministers declared these dinners as required by civil service regulations, and media queries sent to Ong and Chee on May 6 had not received a response.
