Following the resignation of former Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim from political office on Jul. 20, Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng posted on Facebook at 12:50pm that Faishal had asked him to apologise to all his residents and grassroots leaders on his behalf.

Faishal, who was also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, together with Seah.

Seah added that the remaining four MPS will do their best to look after the residents of Kembangan, the ward that Faishal was previously overseeing.

Seah Kian Peng's post

In his post, Seah said the remaining MPs will handle all the Meet-the-People Sessions cases and appeals, as well as continue ongoing community initiatives.

"I would also like to assure my Braddell Heights residents that my work in Kembangan will not affect my commitment and the level of support to all of you, where I have served since 2006," he wrote.

Seah also noted that Faishal has been a "valuable member" of the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights team and has made "immeasurable contributions" in Kembangan and in Nee Soon GRC, where he previously served for 15 years.

He added that the team was "deeply saddened" by what had happened and asked for space and privacy for Faishal and his family:

"I have known Faishal for over 20 years. He is a good friend of mine, one with a big and kind heart for all. I ask all to give him space and privacy as this is a difficult period for him and his family."

Goh Pei Ming's post

Fellow Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC MP Goh Pei Ming also took to Facebook at 1:07pm to address residents.

He wrote that the “immediate priority” for the team is to take care of and serve the needs of Kembangan residents, echoing Seah's message.

Goh also described Faishal as a "valuable member" of the team and highlighted how he has connected well with Kembangan residents and how he cares deeply about the progress and welfare of the Malay-Muslim community.

Goh added that the team understands that Faishal had made a "lapse in judgement" and is choosing to take responsibility.

Tin Pei Ling's post

Fellow MP Tin Pei Ling wrote on Facebook at 1:26pm that she was "deeply saddened" by the news.

"A/P Faishal has been a responsible, empathetic and highly supportive member of our Marine Parade-Braddell Heights team. He has a good heart for the people and Singapore," she wrote.

Acknowledging that what had happened was "unfortunate", she said the team's immediate priority is to continue their care and support for Kembangan residents.

Following his resignation from political office, former Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim took to Facebook to address his decision.

Faishal, who was also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, and Member of Parliament for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, wrote that he was "deeply sorry to have let down" his residents and supporters, "who placed their trust" in him.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong earlier announced Faishal's resignation with a statement via the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Jul. 20, 2026.

This came after the PMO received an email from a female member of the public concerning her interactions with Faishal.

While both Faishal and the woman made allegations of harassment against each other, it was assessed that no criminal offence had been committed by either party.

No criminal action was taken against either of them.

Faishal, however, accepted that his conduct fell short of the standards expected of a political office holder and MP.

In a letter of resignation to PM Wong, the 58-year-old said there was no physical relationship between him and the woman, and he had not intended for the interactions to develop into one.

“There was a lapse of judgment on my part in the way I handled the interactions and in failing to establish clearer boundaries at an earlier stage,” said Faishal.

Apologised

In his Facebook post shortly after the announcement, Faishal asked for understanding regarding his decision "not to say more", out of respect for his family's privacy:

Over the years, I have had the privilege of walking alongside many of you - meeting your families, listening to your concerns, and working together to build a stronger and better Singapore. Your warmth, friendship and support mean more to me than I can ever express.

The work to strengthen our community continues. It is a collective effort that is far bigger than any one individual. I have every confidence that SMS Zaqy Mohamad and the team will continue with this work with commitment and care. I also know that Kembangan residents will continue to be well looked after by the MPs of the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC.

Faishal added:

I will now be spending more time with my family. I'm grateful for their support, especially my wife who has been standing by me throughout this difficult period.

Other than his Facebook page, he has since deactivated his official Instagram, X and TikTok accounts.

Former Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim has resigned from his political offices, his role as a Member of Parliament and his membership of the People's Action Party over interactions he had with a female member of the public.

While allegations of harassment were made by both Faishal and the woman, the police investigated and in consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, it was assessed that no criminal offence had been committed by either party.

However, Faishal accepted that his conduct fell short of the standards expected of an MP and Political Office Holder, leading to his resignation.

You can see Faishal's letter to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong below:

PM Wong's statement on the matter can be read at this link.

Related story

The family of the late St. Joseph's Institution (SJI) International student, who died during a 2024 snorkelling trip while on an overseas expedition to the Maldives, will be suing SJII for alleged negligence over her death.

Jenna Chan was 15 at the time and would have turned 17 today.

On Jul. 20, 2026, her family filed a negligence claim in the General Division of the High Court of Singapore against SJII, according to a press release by their legal representatives.

'Claim is about accountability': Girl's mother

Calling this a "last resort", Jenna's parents said the claim comes after "more than 20 months of seeking accountability through other channels".

"For over a year and a half we asked the school to work with us to find out what happened so this can never happen to another child," her mother, Jennifer Liauw, said.

She added: "Every door was closed. This claim is about accountability, and about making sure Jenna is the last."

The press release also stated that according to a November 2025 letter, the school's solicitors, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, reportedly asserted that the school did not owe Jenna a "positive non-delegable duty of care to protect and safeguard her from the risk of harm".

Noting that the school had engaged an independent contractor, the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), to run the expedition, the letter reportedly added that the school was "not liable for all negligent acts and/or omissions of the MWSRP, its agents or servants or contractors".

2024 excursion

On Nov. 8, 2024, Jenna, who was participating in a whale shark research project, was hit by a running boat's propeller while diving into the sea on a snorkelling trip.

She was rushed to a local health centre but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

According to the press release, this was part of an expedition run by the MWSRP, a charity registered in the United Kingdom and engaged by SJII.

The expedition, which formed part of the school's Outdoor Education programme, is compulsory for Grade 9 students and a requirement for promotion to the next academic year.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Education had previously told Mothership that it would not be investigating the management of SJII.

"Privately-funded schools, including SJII, are private schools set up to cater to international students and Singaporean students who prefer an alternative schooling option," the spokesperson said.

"These schools are outside the mainstream school system and have autonomy over their operations, policies and governance."

Alleged failings

The Statement of Claim alleged that SJII failed to properly vet the Maldives as a destination despite a documented pattern of marine tourism fatalities in the same waters, including a fatal propeller incident in the year before Jenna's death.

It also claimed that the school failed to take reasonable steps to ensure that MWSRP was a suitable and qualified vendor to run excursions for school children.

In addition, it alleged that SJII "failed to take reasonable steps" to ensure that the place where the marine activities would be conducted was safe for a school outdoor education programme, or to check tidal conditions and current strengths before involving the students in marine activities.

It also claimed that SJII gave parents and students repeated safety assurances which "were not borne out", including the school allegedly having "all emergency procedures in place" for "every single scenario that can happen".

Lastly, it alleged that SJII failed to ensure adequate supervision of its students at the critical moment.

The Statement of Claim argued that since Jenna was a child placed in the school's custody on a compulsory school trip, SJII owed her a non-delegable duty of care that could not be outsourced to a third party.

It added that in the months following Jenna’s death, SJII allegedly cited ongoing investigations and refused to share information with Jenna's parents or allow them to meet with the SJII teachers who accompanied the students on the expedition.

It further alleged that no investigation report or findings has been shared by SJII with Jenna's parents to date.

The family is also calling on the Singapore Government to review the alleged oversight of privately-funded schools, the release stated.

Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, and Member of Parliament for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, has announced his resignation from his political offices, role as an MP, and a member of the People's Action Party.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced Faishal's resignation with a statement via the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Jul. 20, 2026.

No criminal offence committed

PM Wong disclosed that the PMO received an email from a female member of the public concerning her interactions with Faishal. PM Wong asked for the matter to be looked into immediately.

Both Faishal and the woman were spoken to separately and each made allegations of harassment against each other. The matter was referred to the police, who investigated the allegations.

The PMO statement added: "After carefully considering the facts and circumstances, and in consultation with the Attorney-General's Chambers, it was assessed that no criminal offence had been committed by either party. Accordingly, no criminal action will be taken against either of them."

However, PM Wong added there was a separate question of whether Faishal's conduct met the standards expected of a Political Office Holder and MP. Faishal accepted that his conduct fell short of those standards.

Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State for Defence and Sustainability & the Environment, will be appointed Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs.

 Letter from Faishal:

Letter from PM Wong:

Long-serving politician

Faishal first entered politics in the 2006 General Election, winning a seat in Parliament as part of the Marine Parade GRC for the People's Action Party.

He would stand for election four more times in the 2011, 2015, 2020 and 2025 General Elections, winning each time, representing Nee Soon and Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRCs.

Faishal held various political offices throughout his political career, beginning as a Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, with stints at the Ministries of Education, Health and Social & Family Development, National Development and Home Affairs.

Acting Minister

Following the 2025 General Election, Faishal replaced Masagos Zulkifli as the Acting Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, who had filled the role since 2018.

Faishal also received a promotion to Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs.

As the Acting Minister, Faishal spoke up on various issues, such as finding common ground on Palestine and support for Muslim pilgrims performing the hajj in Saudi Arabia.

He also spoke of the importance of Singaporean unity in the face of external conflict following the U.S.-Israel War on Iran, and government efforts to uplift the Malay community.

A 79-year-old female pedestrian was sent to the hospital after a hit-and-run accident in the early morning of Jul. 19, 2026.

The accident, which took place at the junction of Jalan Bukit Merah and Kim Tian Road, saw a car knocking down the elderly woman before driving off.

Accident video

According to a video posted on the "SG Road Vigilante" Facebook page, a white car could be seen making a right turn.

At the same time, a female pedestrian could be seen crossing the road.

The car then hit the woman, causing her to fall onto the road divider.

However, the car did not stop and drove off.

Another car then stopped next to the woman and an individual could be heard asking if the woman was "okay" and whether he should call an ambulance for her.

The elderly woman asked if the individual who checked on her could take down the licence plate of the car that hit her.

He responded that he would call an ambulance for her first.

The woman then asked him again to check the license plate before thanking him.

Car driver assisting with investigations

Responding to Mothership's queries, the police said they were alerted at about 5:05am on Jul. 19 to a hit-and-run accident involving a car and a pedestrian at the junction of Jalan Bukit Merah and Kim Tian Road.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to a road traffic accident along Jalan Bukit Merah at about 5:10am that day.

SCDF conveyed a 79-year-old female pedestrian while conscious to Singapore General Hospital.

A 58-year-old male car driver is assisting with investigations and police investigations are ongoing.

Lionel Messi’s World Cup career ended in heartbreak at the age of 39.

This was after Spain won the 2026 World Cup in dominating fashion against Argentina, the defending champions.

The Spanish team held 68 per cent of possession and made more than 800 passes.

The Argentina players only managed fewer than 450 passes.

By the 110th minute, Spain had its 20th attempt at goal, 12 on target.

Argentina did not register an attempt on goal until the 117th minute in extra time.

They managed three attempts in total by the end, as they sought to draw level in the final dying minutes of extra time.

The match had ended 0-0 during regulation time.

Argentina were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off in the 93rd minute, right before extra time.

He received a second yellow card following a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.

Substitute Ferran Torres struck in the second half of extra time in the 106th minute to secure Spain’s second World Cup.

Messi cries

After the final whistle was blown, Messi was reduced to tears.

He was consoled by Spain's sensation Lamine Yamal.

Lamine Yamal comforting Lionel Messi after the final is easily the most wholesome moment you’ll see today. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/efGNbaWc4A

— MC (@CrewsMat10) July 19, 2026

Before the tender moment was caught on camera, a skirmish broke out between both teams.

Will Messi retire from international football?

So far, Messi has stopped short of announcing his retirement from international football.

However, ahead of the 2026 World Cup final, the captain shared a message on his official Instagram account.

This was following Argentina's semi-final win over England.

In his post, Messi had thanked his teammates, coaches and Argentina staff before the final.

"The best thing about all these years has never been just the titles, but the whole journey. Sharing every day with this group, competing together, getting back up in difficult moments, and enjoying every step," Messi wrote.

"Thanks to each of my teammates, the technical staff and all the people who work every day to keep this national team a family."

Spain won the 2026 World Cup after dominating the whole game against Argentina, the defending champions.

Lionel Messi’s World Cup career ended in heartbreak at the age of 39.

His team were reduced to 10 men and did not register an attempt on goal until the 117th minute in extra time.

By the 110th minute, Spain had its 20th attempt at goal, 12 on target.

The match ended 0-0 during the 90 minutes of regulation time.

Argentina fell short

Argentina fell short in their bid to become only the third nation to retain the World Cup.

They were aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.

Substitute Ferran Torres struck in the second half of extra time in the 106th minute to secure Spain’s second World Cup.

Barcelona forward Torres was a 62nd-minute substitute for Mikel Oyarzabal.

Enzo Fernández was sent off for his reckless foul on Pau Cubarsí.

It was his second yellow card.

U.S. president Donald Trump was present at the match in New Jersey.

A domestic helper from the Philippines stole around S$217,000 worth of cash and jewellery from her Singapore employer's family over a period of four years.

She emptied their safe, sold the items in the Philippines and used the ill-gotten proceeds to buy condominium units, cars, and farmland.

On Jul. 17, Raguindin Alma Bassig, 47, was sentenced to three years and two months' jail after pleading guilty to two counts of theft by a servant.

According to Shin Min Daily News, three charges of a similar nature were also taken into consideration for sentencing.

District Judge Koo Zhi Xuan called the total amount stolen "staggering" and noted that it was "highly uncertain" that the stolen items could ever be recovered, reported CNA.

No restitution has been made.

Worked for the family for more than 10 years

Raguindin had worked for the family for more than a decade, having been employed by her 54-year-old employer since March 2016.

According to Shin Min, Raguindin was responsible for the household chores for the family of four, giving her unrestricted access to all rooms in the landed property.

This included her employer's bedroom, which contained a safe in an unlocked wardrobe.

Stole cash and jewellery worth S$77,851

In 2022, Raguindin found three keys in a coat pocket inside the wardrobe, reported CNA.

She used the keys to unlock the safe and found it contained various currencies and jewellery.

Between January and December 2022, Raguindin stole cash in euros, pounds and yen.

She also stole jewellery, including multiple Van Cleef & Arpels and Bulgari pieces, gold, jade and silver items, worth a total of S$77,851.

Raguindin brought the stolen cash and jewellery with her when she returned to the Philippines for leave.

Converted cash into pesos, pawned jewellery

According to CNA, Raguindin converted the cash into Philippine pesos, while the jewellery was sold, pawned or kept at her home.

She used the ill-gotten proceeds to purchase the condominium units, vehicles and farmland in the Philippines.

In June 2024, Raguindin stole again.

According to Shin Min, the items Raguindin took included: 

• Cash in Malaysian Ringgit and Vietnamese Dong
• 12 gold bracelets
• Two 24k gold necklaces
• A set of diamond jewellery
• Two 999 pure gold coins
• Several other gold jewellery pieces

The most expensive item was a princess-cut diamond jewellery set worth S$18,000, reported CNA.

She did the same as before and brought the stolen items back, using the proceeds to purchase more property, vehicles and farmland.

Thefts undetected till November 2025

The thefts went undetected until November 2025, when the victim noticed items missing from the safe but assumed it had been misplaced.

On May 27, 2026, the victim installed a motion-sensor camera in her bedroom and was alerted to movement two days later.

Raguindin was seen opening the safe and removing items, prompting the victim to lodge a police report that evening.

The domestic helper was arrested after midnight the following day.

Victim addresses court, speaks of betrayal

According to CNA, the victim who was present was invited to address the court.

She said she felt deeply betrayed by Raguindin, whom she employed for more than a decade.

The victim called herself "foolish" for trusting her former domestic worker.

"When I saw her opening my safe, my heart was broken. I cannot believe she was doing this to me."

She said she allowed Raguindin to return to the Philippines every year while paying for her air ticket.

This was instead of every two years as required under their agreement, because Raguindin's children were young.

"Shame on you Alma!"

The victim also disputed that the thefts were motivated by financial hardship as the stolen proceeds were used for luxury purchases.

She added that Raguindin's sister had told her that Raguindin did not send money to their mother.

She noted that some of the stolen jewellery had significant sentimental value, including pieces inherited from her mother-in-law when she and her husband got married, reported Shin Min.

According to CNA, at one point, the victim shouted "shame on you, Alma!" at Raguindin, who appeared via video link.

Borrowed from loansharks

According to Shin Min, Raguindin received a monthly salary of S$1,200 and an annual bonus of S$2,000 from the victim.

However, she also borrowed money from other maids and loansharks.

Shinmin reported that upon Raguindin's arrest, debt collectors harassed the victim, claiming that the defendant borrowed hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Raguindin said she had nothing

Through an interpreter, Raguindin said she had nothing when asked by the judge how much she had with her currently.

The prosecution said it would not seek a compensation order but would consider a separate confiscation order to help the victim.

The judge said the court could not order compensation if an accused person lacked the means to pay.

He added that the court lacked the power to issue the letter the victim sought to use to recover her possessions, but added that the victim was free to pursue civil action.

Penalties

For theft by a servant, an offender can face up to seven years' jail and a fine.

Manosphere social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in Miami, Florida in the U.S. on Jul. 18, after the UK authorised 38 new charges against them, including Sex trafficking, assault, and rape.

Arrested in Miami

The Guardian reports that the brothers were arrested by U.S. Marshals in Miami, due to an extradition request by UK authorities.

The UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said that it had decided to bring the charges against the Tate brothers for “further [alleged] offences, including rape, arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation, and offences relating to indecent images of a child.”

Andrew Tate, 39, was charged with seven counts of rape three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation, three counts of assault, and 19 charges for offences relating to indecent images of a child and extreme pornography.

His brother Tristan Tate, 38, was charged with one count of sexual assault, two counts of rape, and three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation.

The BBC reports that the brothers are dual British-US citizens, and that UK prosecutors will being legal proceedings to extradite the pair to the UK.

Further charges

The head of CPS's Special Crime Division, Malcolm McHaffie, said that the charging decisions followed receipt of a further file of evidence from Bedfordshire Police and bring the total number of alleged victims in the case to seven.

The Bedfordshire Police said that this brought the total number of charges against the brothers to 59, with 42 against Andrew Tate and 17 against Tristan Tate, from incidents alleged to have occurred between 2010 and 2017.

Bedfordshire Police said that it was working closely with both the CPS and international law enforcement agencies in what it described as a “complex operation”.

This is not the first investigation of its kind that the Tate brothers have been involved in.

The CPS have charged the pair with 21 criminal charges in a separate case, also related to rape, bodily harm, and human trafficking, said to involve four alleged victims.

They were also charged and arrested in Romania in 2022, also for alleged human trafficking, rape, as well as forming an organised criminal group.

Manosphere influencers

The Tates are social media personalities known for portraying so-called “hypermasculine” personalities and misogynistic views.

Andrew Tate was a former kickboxer who gained prominence on UK reality TV, before going on to become a kind of self-help guru by selling "lessons" through his online "Hustler's University".

They also attempted to involve themselves in amateur exotic animal keeping, having offered to buy the maligned monkey “Punch” from a Japanese zoo.