Faishal Ibrahim resigns: Zaqy Mohamad & Masagos Zulkifli address issue

Senior Minister of State for Defence and Sustainability and the Environment Zaqy Mohamad will assume the role of Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs following Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim's resignation from political office on Jul. 20.

Faishal, who also served as Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC, stepped down after it was found that his interactions with an unnamed woman had fallen short of "standards".

He had taken over the Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs portfolio from Masagos Zulkifli after the 2025 general election.

Following the announcement of Faishal's resignation on Jul. 20, both Zaqy and Masagos addressed the development in separate Facebook posts.

Zaqy Mohamad

Zaqy took to Facebook at 2:24pm, acknowledging that many in the community are "disappointed and saddened" by the news.

Saying that he had "great respect" for Faishal as a colleague, he added that he saw firsthand Faishal's dedication to the development of the Muslim community.

He said that as he steps into the role of Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, he will do so with "humility and a deep sense of responsibility".

He added:

"Nearly a decade at Mendaki has shown me the strength and resilience of our community. In difficult moments, we do not turn away from one another. We come together, support one another, and keep moving forward.

There is still much good work to be done, and our community's progress must continue."

Masagos Zulkifli

Masagos earlier posted on Facebook at 2:15pm, saying that he and Faishal have been actively serving Singapore and the Malay-Muslim community together for many years.

He added that he was "deeply saddened" to learn of Faishal's resignation, and noted his commitment to the community.

He wrote:

"Prof Faishal and I have been actively serving Singapore and the Malay-Muslim community together for many years. He was committed to strengthening families, lowering recidivism, empowering our youths and building bonds that hold our community together.

That is why I was deeply saddened to learn today that he has resigned from his positions in Cabinet and as a Member of Parliament."

Masagos also expressed his hope that Singaporeans will give Faishal and his family privacy and space at this "very difficult time".

He also called for support for Zaqy in his new role as Acting Minister for Muslim Affairs.