Zaqy Mohamad has taken on the role of Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs in Singapore, following the resignation of Faishal Ibrahim. With his new appointment, Zaqy has committed to maintaining strong engagement with the Muslim community and gaining a deeper understanding of its needs. Faishal stepped down from his political roles, including his position in Parliament and the People’s Action Party, on July 20. This came after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that Faishal’s resignation was due to a lapse in judgment in his interactions with a female member of the public.
In his new capacity, Zaqy has emphasized the importance of collaboration with the M3+ network, as well as volunteers and community partners. His goal is to enhance programs that support and uplift the Malay-Muslim community in Singapore. “There is a lot of important work ahead of us, and we must continue building on the progress our community has made,” Zaqy stated, underscoring his commitment to ensuring continued support for the community.
The transition has been met with a mix of emotions, as Zaqy expressed his sadness over Faishal’s departure. He reflected on their long-standing partnership, which has spanned nearly two decades. Meanwhile, several Malay-Muslim lawmakers and community leaders have shared their disappointment regarding the circumstances of Faishal’s resignation but have also recognized his contributions during his tenure in office.