SINGAPORE, May 6 -- Singapore Ministers Ong Ye Kung and Chee Hong Tat have clarified that they had no personal connection with Su Haijin, a known member of a Fujian gang, after photos surfaced showing them at the same dinners as him.

In a joint statement released by their press secretaries, the ministers said they attended the gatherings at the invitation of a friend and were unaware that Su would be present.

"As ministers, they meet a diverse range of people at various events and gatherings," the statement read.

It added that Ong recalled encountering Su again at a separate dinner months later.

Ong Ye Kung is serves as the Singapore health minister, while Chee Hong Tat is transport minister and second finance minister.

The statement...