Ng Chee Meng issues lawyer's letter over FB posts linking him to Su Haijin, demands apology by 16 May

SINGAPORE: Ng Chee Meng, secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Member of Parliament for Jalan Kayu, has issued a lawyer’s letter to Facebook user Sng Chia Huat, who posts under the name “Rich Sng”.

The letter demands a retraction of allegedly defamatory content shared online regarding Ng’s past photograph with Su Haijin, a man convicted in a high-profile money laundering case.

Ng released a public statement on 12 May 2025 describing Sng’s Facebook posts as “false, misleading, and defamatory”.

The controversy stems from a photo showing Ng alongside Su Haijin at a dinner event on 1 May 2021.

Su was later arrested in August 2023 as part of a billion-dollar money laundering investigation.

Ng previously explained that he is regularly approached for photos at events he attends as NTUC secretary-general.

He clarified he had no subsequent interaction with Su after learning of the man’s criminal involvement.

According to Ng, the Facebook posts implied an improper relationship with Su, a Cypriot national of Chinese descent who was convicted and sentenced to 14 months’ jail in April 2024 before being deported to Cambodia in May.

Ng stated that Sng must withdraw the accusations, issue an apology, and propose an amount for damages—intended to be donated to charity—by 16 May 2025.

“If he does not do so, I will be compelled to take legal action against Mr Sng to clear my name against these false, misleading, and defamatory allegations,” said Ng.

This development follows similar legal notices sent by ministers Ong Ye Kung and Chee Hong Tat to the same Facebook user.

Both ministers, through their press secretaries, also rejected the allegations as “baseless and false”.

They have likewise requested a public apology, retraction, and damages by 16 May, or they too will pursue legal action.

The issue gained traction following the circulation of photos depicting the ministers, Ng, and others, including former manpower minister Lim Swee Say, at events attended by Su.

Ong clarified that while Su appeared at a separate dinner months later, there was no interaction or prior acquaintance.

Both ministers said their attendance at such events was through an invitation from a mutual acquaintance.

Ng reiterated that the event he attended was part of a professional dinner with private sector representatives, and Su was one among many.

Lim Swee Say also commented on a photo showing him with Su and Ong, stating that the gathering in May 2022 was among old friends, and Su was the only unfamiliar guest.

All involved affirmed they had no personal ties or dealings with Su beyond those incidental encounters.

The dinners in question were reportedly organised and hosted by local businessman Sam Goi, dubbed Singapore’s “Popiah King”.

Goi confirmed that he arranged and paid for the private dinners, and that the gatherings adhered to prevailing COVID-19 safety regulations.