A man who goes by the name “Rich Sng” on Facebook has recently issued apologies and removed posts that were deemed defamatory by two ministers and a labour chief in Singapore. The man, whose actual name is Sng Chia Huat, had initially made posts alleging that Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, and labour chief Ng Chee Meng were aware of convicted money launderer Su Haijin breaking laws but chose to turn a blind eye to it. Following legal action from the ministers and Mr. Ng, Sng took down the posts, apologized, and agreed to pay damages that would be donated to charity.
In a Facebook post, Sng expressed regret for his actions and mentioned his financial struggles due to the closure of his business in April. He offered to perform community service as a form of compensation, suggesting to serve 100 hours for each public servant named in the letters, totaling 300 hours. Despite facing personal challenges, Sng highlighted his involvement in volunteer and charity work since 2019 as a testament to his commitment to giving back to society. The ministers and Mr. Ng accepted his proposal, acknowledging his willingness to make amends and contribute positively to the community.
The controversy stemmed from photos of Mr. Ong, Mr. Chee, and Mr. Ng with Su Haijin, a member of the Fujian gang who was convicted in a billion-dollar money laundering case in 2024. The ministers clarified that they did not have a personal relationship with Su and that the encounter was coincidental. Mr. Ng explained that his interaction with Su was part of his role as the secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress, emphasizing that there was no further engagement with Su following the meeting. The incident shed light on the importance of transparency in public interactions and the need for individuals to exercise caution in their associations to avoid potential misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
