Cheng Li Hui: Affair, Resignation & Unmarried Status - Latest Updates

Mr. Eric Glover DVM 11 May 2025

Is the political landscape of Singapore witnessing a seismic shift, and are the actions of its leaders truly above reproach? The resignations of two prominent People's Action Party (PAP) members, Mr. Tan and Ms. Cheng Li Hui, on July 17, 2023, following revelations of an inappropriate relationship, have ignited a firestorm of public scrutiny and raised fundamental questions about ethics, conduct, and the enduring strength of Singapore's political institutions.

The sequence of events leading to this dramatic denouement began to unfold in the wake of the 2020 general election, when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong first became aware of the clandestine relationship. While the precise timeline of the affair remains somewhat blurred, its eventual exposure triggered a cascade of consequences, ultimately leading to the resignations of both individuals from their parliamentary roles and from the PAP itself. The affair's revelations have sent shockwaves throughout the political establishment, and the public is still grappling with the implications.

Personal Information	Details
Full Name	Cheng Li Hui
Age	47 (as of the events in July 2023)
Marital Status	Initially reported as married; however, recent events have cast doubt on this status.
Political Affiliation	People's Action Party (PAP)
Political Role	Member of Parliament (MP) for Tampines GRC (resigned July 17, 2023)
Reason for Resignation	Inappropriate relationship with fellow PAP member Mr. Tan, leading to concerns about propriety and personal conduct.
Date of Resignation	July 17, 2023
Division Coverage	Cheng resigned as her seat as Member of Parliament (MP) and as a member of People's Action Party (PAP) on July 17, 2023, and her division is being covered
Other Information	Ms. Cheng is not married,
Reference	Business Times

The affair, shrouded in secrecy for a period, eventually became public knowledge, forcing a reckoning within the PAP. Prime Minister Lee, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, stated that he had learned of the relationship sometime after the 2020 general election. The pair, when confronted, initially pledged to end the affair, yet these assurances ultimately proved hollow. Their failure to adhere to this commitment further deepened the crisis and, ultimately, rendered their positions untenable.

Mr. Tan, at 54 years of age, was married and a father of two children. Ms. Cheng, at 47, was not married at the time of the events. The disparities in their marital statuses, coupled with the nature of their relationship, introduced an additional layer of complexity and sensitivity to the unfolding narrative. The juxtaposition of personal lives and public service created an environment ripe for both speculation and condemnation. The breach of ethical boundaries, compounded by the violation of public trust, led to a swift and decisive response. The party, committed to upholding standards of conduct, moved swiftly, underscoring that the integrity of their members was not negotiable.

The implications of the affair extended far beyond the individuals directly involved. The resignations triggered immediate ramifications within the political landscape. Ms. Cheng's departure from her role as Member of Parliament meant her constituency would require new representation. This vacancy also prompted a reassessment of the principles by which the PAP operates, and their stance of zero tolerance for members exhibiting a pattern of conduct deemed inappropriate. The focus shifted from the personal lives of the individuals to the broader implications for Singaporean governance, sparking a wider debate.

The decision of Mr. Tan and Ms. Cheng to resign simultaneously on July 17, 2023, was the culmination of a series of events that had been building for some time. This was not just an act of personal accountability but a calculated maneuver aimed at minimizing further damage to the party and, arguably, to their own reputations. The decision, while seemingly straightforward, concealed layers of strategic consideration, legal counsel, and damage control.

The affair served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in any system of government, regardless of how robust it might appear. It exposed the human dimension of politics the fallibility, the weaknesses, and the ethical challenges that can arise even among the most respected figures. The swift and decisive manner in which the PAP addressed the situation reflected its commitment to maintaining public trust and preserving the integrity of its leadership. This acted as a potent signal to the public, reinforcing the ideals of accountability and propriety.

The resignations, although a matter of public record, left many questions unanswered. There was speculation about the nature of the inappropriate relationship, its duration, and the underlying reasons that led to such actions. The public was left with incomplete fragments, and these ambiguities only fueled further intrigue and speculation. The media played a significant role in shaping public perception and scrutinizing the events, while the need for transparency and accountability grew.

The repercussions of the scandal extended beyond the realm of politics. The private lives of public figures became a subject of intense public scrutiny. The incident also sparked conversations about the nature of trust, the expectations placed on those in positions of power, and the mechanisms needed to ensure accountability. The public, witnessing the unfolding drama, demanded answers and justice. The whole saga prompted a re-evaluation of the standards and expectations that governed public life in Singapore.

The incident also provided an opportunity for reflection. It became a case study of how political institutions respond to crisis. The party faced considerable pressure to respond appropriately, to act swiftly, and to demonstrate a commitment to its core values. The actions taken by the PAP, in response to the allegations, underscored the party's determination to maintain a high standard of conduct.

The events of July 17, 2023, undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the political landscape of Singapore. The affair will likely be studied for years to come, serving as a reminder of the delicate balance between public service and personal conduct. The incident also raises questions about the ongoing effectiveness of the systems in place to protect and maintain public trust.

The affair's impact extended to the wider population. It provoked discussion, debate, and introspection. The public was forced to confront the complexities of morality, ethics, and the standards of conduct expected of those who hold positions of power. This became a catalyst for wider social change, challenging entrenched views and sparking a dialogue about the values and principles that define a society.

The resignations prompted soul-searching within the PAP. The leadership had to make decisions about the future of the party and how to restore public trust. The fallout from the affair also had an impact on the party's policies, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and accountability. In the wake of the resignations, the PAP would be working to reaffirm its values and reaffirm its commitment to the public.

The resignations were a clear signal that any conduct that deviated from the standards of propriety would not be tolerated. They reinforced the importance of ethical leadership. The PAP took action to ensure that its members would meet the standards of public service. The PAP's reputation was somewhat protected by the prompt action taken. The incident emphasized the role of the party in ensuring that the standards of ethical behavior are met.

The swiftness with which the PAP responded helped to maintain public confidence. The party's action was seen as a demonstration of a commitment to the values that underpin the nation. The rapid response served to mitigate potential damage, and reaffirmed the principles of good governance. The incident had the effect of strengthening the existing ethical guidelines within the PAP.

The impact on the political careers of Mr. Tan and Ms. Cheng Li Hui was profound. Their resignations from Parliament ended their tenures in public service. Their actions, which involved an inappropriate relationship, resulted in an abrupt end to their political careers. The affair exposed the dangers of a lapse in judgment and underscored the significance of maintaining ethical standards.

The incident offered valuable lessons for aspiring politicians. It emphasized the importance of making sound ethical choices, and underlined the potential consequences of acting in ways that could compromise their reputations. The affair highlighted the need for constant vigilance and self-awareness in the pursuit of public service.

The impact of the affair was felt throughout the whole of Singapore. The actions of the PAP revealed the importance of integrity and how it affects public trust. The events of July 17, 2023, were a defining moment in the country's history and would be a reminder of the challenges of maintaining high ethical standards in public life.

As the dust settles, the focus shifts to the future. The decisions made, and the lessons learned, will shape the trajectory of Singapore's politics for years to come. The nation moves forward, striving to find a balance between maintaining the ideals of public service and safeguarding the integrity of those holding positions of power.