Ong Ye Kung & Chee Hong Tat respond to photos of them with Fujian gang member Su Haijin, say they don't know him personally

Photos of ministers Ong Ye Kung and Chee Hong Tat have been circulating online showing them at dinners with Fujian gang member Su Haijin, among others.

In a joint statement by the press secretaries to Ong and Chee, the context of the photos were explained.

The statement said:

"As ministers, they meet a diverse range of people at various events and gatherings. They attended the dinners at the invitation of a friend, and Su happened to be there. Minister Ong recalls that months later, at another dinner, Su happened to be there too".

Both ministers said they "do not know Su personally" and have had no contact or dealings with him "before or since then".

Here is their full statement:

"There are some photos circulating, in which ministers Ong Ye Kung and Chee Hong Tat were pictured at dinners where Fujian gang member Su Haijin, was also present.

As ministers, they meet a diverse range of people at various events and gatherings. They attended the dinners at the invitation of a friend, and Su happened to be there. Minister Ong recalls that months later, at another dinner, Su happened to be there too.

The ministers do not know Su personally, and have had no contact or dealings with him, before or since these occasions.

Su was later arrested for his illegal activities and his assets confiscated.

The PAP government upholds a high standard of integrity and the ministers are determined to uphold this, even though in the course of their work, they may inadvertently come into contact with people who are later established to be unsavoury. Maintaining this standard is non-negotiable."

In recent days, a photo of labour chief and former education minister Ng Chee Meng seated at a dinner with Su and other guests has also been circulating online. Mothership has contacted Ng's office for comment.

Top photos via Internet