Civil servant Goh Hanyan’s neutrality questioned after attending PAP’s MPS before resignation, ahead of GE2025

SINGAPORE: Goh Hanyan, a senior public servant, is set to resign on 3 April 2025 amid growing speculation over Singapore’s upcoming general election. Concerns over her political neutrality have surfaced after she was reportedly seen at a People’s Action Party (PAP) Meet-the-People Session (MPS) before officially stepping down from her role. Goh is currently a director in both the Smart Nation Strategy Office and the National AI Group for Policy and Strategy under the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI). According to state media outlet CNA, Goh was spotted on 17 March at the PAP’s MPS in Zhenghua branch, which falls within Holland-Bukit Timah Group Representation Constituency (GRC). The session was led by the current Member of Parliament (MP) for the ward, Edward Chia, who was a political newcomer in the 2020 general election. Though Goh has not officially announced her candidacy or party affiliation, her background aligns with the PAP’s historical preference for fielding candidates with strong public service experience and expertise in policy and development.

Scrutiny over timing of MPS appearance

Law practitioner Yeoh Lian Chuan raised concerns about Goh’s participation in the PAP session while still holding a government role. In a Facebook post on 28 March, Yeoh questioned whether it was appropriate for a serving civil servant to be involved in a political event, stating that such engagement may raise issues of impartiality. "Since MPS is political in nature, wasn’t it improper for Goh to be present at the event and didn’t she jump the gun?" Yeoh wrote.

Lee Hsien Loong in 2020: Public service leaders must remain apolitical

While the Code of Conduct for civil servants does not explicitly forbid participation in political activities, the overarching principle of impartiality suggests that such involvement should be approached with caution to avoid any perceived or actual conflicts of interest. Notably, in January 2020, then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has reminded public service leaders must not become involved in political activities.  Lee stated that ministers must shield public service officials from political interference, ensuring they perform their duties without fear or favour. However, the public service must still align with the elected government. He stressed that senior public service leaders should understand the political context and work closely with elected leaders. This collaboration enables the government to fulfil Singaporeans’ expectations and act in the nation’s best interests. "It is a fine balance – for the Public Service to be neutral and non-political, insulated from the hurly-burly of party politics, and yet politically sensitive and responsive to the nation’s priorities and aspirations. But this is inherent in the role of a public sector leader," Lee said.

Goh’s extensive track record in government

Goh has held multiple key roles in the Singapore government, particularly in digital and economic policy. At MDDI, she has been instrumental in leading Singapore’s Smart Nation 2.0 strategy, aimed at integrating digital technologies across government and society. She also played a key role in implementing the country’s updated National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, focusing on AI applications in healthcare, transport, and education. Before joining MDDI in December 2023, she spent nearly four years in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), where she worked on economic and sustainability policy. She held roles ranging from Deputy Director for Socio-Economic Policy to Director of Economy and Sustainability. Earlier in her career, she served over a decade at the Economic Development Board (EDB), including roles as Head of Consumer Businesses and Centre Director in Washington DC. She was also involved in energy and chemicals sector development as Deputy Director of Strategic Planning. Goh’s experience extends beyond the public sector—she worked as an MBA intern at Google Singapore in 2018, further strengthening her credentials in technology and innovation.

Wave of resignations fuels election speculation

Goh’s resignation is part of a larger trend of senior public servants stepping down in recent weeks, reinforcing speculation that a general election is imminent. On 25 March alone, three other high-ranking officials announced their resignations: Shawn Loh, a key figure in overseeing Singapore’s last two national budgets, is leaving public service on 6 April. Second Permanent Secretary Jeffrey Siow from the Ministries of Manpower and Trade and Industry has stepped down. Permanent Secretary for Finance Tan Ching Yee has also resigned. Deputy Secretary (Policy) Jasmin Lau from the Ministry of Health and Director for Private and Future Mobility Foo Cexiang from the Ministry of Transport have also announced their intention to resign. Despite these developments, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has remained non-committal about the election date. On 26 March, he reiterated that elections "will come when they come." However, the release of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) report earlier in March, combined with the surge of resignations, suggests that the ruling party is preparing to field new candidates—possibly pointing to a May election.