SINGAPORE – Singapore tycoon Sam Goi has clarified that the private dinners involving Fujian gang member Su Haijin, who was later convicted of money laundering, and several Cabinet ministers had complied with safe-distancing rules to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Dubbed the local “popiah king”, Mr Goi on May 9 issued a statement saying he wished to provide further information on some photos that have been circulated on social media of private dinners involving Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, labour chief Ng Chee Meng, himself and others.

“I have checked my records,” Mr Goi said. “The dinner with minister Chee was held on Nov 19, 2020, the dinner with Mr Ng was held on May 1, 2021, and the dinner with minister Ong was held on May 10, 2022,” he said.

“The group size on each occasion was in full compliance with the applicable Covid safe management measures at the material time,” Mr Goi added.

At the time of the dinner with Mr Ng on May 1, 2021, for example, people were allowed to gather only in groups of eight.

Mr Goi had earlier told Bloomberg News that dinner happened “around 2020”.

Mr Ng, the secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress, had said the dinner took place some time back. He added in the statement on May 6, 2025, that he had no further interactions with Su after police investigations and criminal charges were brought against the money launderer.

He said it is part of his work as labour chief to engage with different companies and private-sector leaders.

Also on May 6, the press secretaries of Mr Ong and Mr Chee said in a statement that the ministers do not know Su personally, and do not have any contact with him.

Their statement added: “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.”