Singapore Muslim Community and Kembangan Residents Surprised by Faishal Ibrahim's Resignation

Singapore's Muslim community leaders and Kembangan residents are shocked by Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim's resignation on Monday, July 20.

Ustaz Muslim Amad said, 'I think it's a big shock.'

Assoc Prof Faishal did a lot for the Muslim community and the community at large, supporting initiatives and collaborations with organizations.

One example is the anti-drug campaign 'Dadah Itu Haram', launched in April 2017 to raise awareness about the harms of drugs.

Another example is the Religious Rehabilitation Group, which works to counter extremist ideologies and rehabilitate detainees.

Ustaz Muslim hopes these initiatives will continue under the new leadership of Mr Zaqy Mohamad.

Mr Ahmed Meeran Mohamed Bilal, president of the Federation of Singapore Indian Muslims, has known Assoc Prof Faishal for five years and worked with him on Indian-Muslim matters.

Assoc Prof Faishal always supported Indian-Muslim events and listened to their concerns.

When Mr Bilal raised issues about the lack of Muslim religious schools for Indian-Muslim students, Assoc Prof Faishal helped arrange spaces at mosques for lessons.

During the Israel-Hamas conflict, Assoc Prof Faishal met with the Indian-Muslim community and encouraged them to donate to the Gaza relief fund.

Mr Bilal said Assoc Prof Faishal was very involved, attended most events, and was friendly and close to the Indian-Muslim community.

Assoc Prof Faishal's resignation was a shock to the Indian-Muslim community, who described him as polite, humble, and respectful.

Mr Bilal said Assoc Prof Faishal was a good minister and politician, and his resignation was unexpected.

Mr Zaqy Mohamad, the new acting minister-in-charge of Muslim affairs, is not new to the community and is also the chairman of the Mendaki board of directors.

Several Malay-Muslim community leaders shared their experience working with Assoc Prof Faishal over the years.

Mr Muhammad Zuhaili, chairman of the International Islamic Youth League Asia, said Assoc Prof Faishal would often visit mosques and engage with the public.

Assoc Prof Faishal made a difference by walking the ground and hearing from people personally about their concerns.

The community could see how he was trying to bring about changes by engaging with them more.

Ms Zarina Jaffar said Assoc Prof Faishal was one of the ministers with the fastest response time to any query, reflecting his commitment to listening and serving the people.

Assoc Prof Faishal has taken responsibility for his shortcomings, and the community hopes for better things in the future.

Assoc Prof Faishal resigned as a political office holder and Member of Parliament after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said his interactions with a woman 'fell short' of standards required of a political office holder and MP.

Most of their interactions took place through online messages, and they also met on the sidelines of public events.

Assoc Prof Faishal, who was also senior minister of state for home affairs, resigned from the People's Action Party on Monday.

Residents in Kembangan described Assoc Prof Faishal as sincere, soft-spoken, and responsive.

In the 2025 General Election, Assoc Prof Faishal was part of the PAP team that took Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC in a walkover.

Mr Wong said the remaining four MPs in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC will continue to serve residents in Kembangan.

Many residents interviewed by CNA on Monday afternoon were in disbelief about the political developments.

About half of the 10 residents CNA spoke to in the Kembangan area did not know who their MP was or had only seen him once or twice.

Those who had interacted with Assoc Prof Faishal more regularly described him as approachable, humble, and quick to respond to residents' concerns.

'It's very hard to believe,' said Mdm Fatimah Abdul Rahim.

Mdm Fatimah described Assoc Prof Faishal as 'very sincere and very helpful' and had approached him for financial assistance after she retired.

She is worried about what will happen to residents like her whose cases are still pending now that Assoc Prof Faishal has resigned.

Mdm Noraini Saaudi said she was saddened and shocked by the news, describing Assoc Prof Faishal as someone who acted quickly when residents raised concerns.

Mdm Noraini recalled approaching Assoc Prof Faishal about cyclists riding through the common corridor near her parents' flat.

Assoc Prof Faishal instructed his team to look into the matter, and signs were soon put up reminding cyclists to dismount in the area.

'Whatever we ask him, he will really come forward to help,' she said.

Others remembered Assoc Prof Faishal for his personable approach.

Ms Dilah Siti Fadzil said Assoc Prof Faishal would often visit homes in the estate and chat with residents and their families.

Assoc Prof Faishal was humble and took the time to ask after Ms Dilah's parents and their home during a house visit.

Mr Pitchay Mohammad Noor, who owns a shop at Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre, said Assoc Prof Faishal was a frequent visitor to the neighbourhood.

Assoc Prof Faishal was very active in the area, coming by often to talk to residents and shop owners.

Not every resident had formed a close relationship with Assoc Prof Faishal.

One resident who has lived in the estate for 37 years said he had met Assoc Prof Faishal only briefly and did not feel he knew him well enough to draw conclusions about his character.

'You can't tell a person just by talking to him for a short while,' said the 62-year-old resident.

The resident said he was satisfied with the government as a whole but did not expect much from individual MPs.

Among those who had interacted with Assoc Prof Faishal over the years, the dominant emotions were sadness and surprise.

Assoc Prof Faishal apologized to his residents and supporters in a Facebook post shortly after the announcement.

'I am deeply sorry to have let down my residents and supporters, who placed their trust in me,' he said.

Assoc Prof Faishal hoped residents would understand his decision not to say more, out of respect for his family's privacy.

He thanked residents for their support over the years, describing it as a privilege to serve them.

'Over the years, I have had the privilege of walking alongside many of you - meeting your families, listening to your concerns, and working together to build a stronger and better Singapore,' he said.

'Your warmth, friendship, and support mean more to me than I can ever express.'

Grassroots volunteers from Nee Soon GRC, where Assoc Prof Faishal was an MP from 2011 to 2025, said their former adviser was careful in his interactions with women.

Mr Benny Lian said Assoc Prof Faishal would often have someone else present when taking photos with female residents.

Another grassroots volunteer, Mr Lewis Yong, said Assoc Prof Faishal was a family-oriented person who would often have breakfast with his wife before going to work.

Mr Yong said Assoc Prof Faishal would join gatherings with grassroots leaders, such as at birthday celebrations, with his wife.

Assoc Prof Faishal was seen as selfless, often going above and beyond to help residents, recounted the grassroots volunteers.

For instance, he initiated a project to help lower-income residents purchase groceries at a lower price and would often use his own car to fetch residents with mobility issues.

Hearing about Assoc Prof Faishal's resignation was difficult for the grassroots volunteers to accept.

Mr Yong said he was with Assoc Prof Faishal almost every day and could not accept the news.

Mr Lim said Assoc Prof Faishal was 'not that kind of person'.

Mr Lian added, 'I'm very shocked, very sad; as I tell you this, it’s like I'm going to cry.'

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