Workers’ Party (WP) chief and Leader of the Opposition, Pritam Singh, has been fined a total of $14,000 after being convicted on two counts of lying under oath to a parliamentary committee. This ruling has sparked widespread discussion about its implications for Singapore’s political landscape. In this article, we delve into the court’s verdict, Singh’s response, and the potential effects on the upcoming general elections.
Pritam Singh Found Guilty – A Landmark Ruling
On February 17, 2025, a district court ruled that Singh had deliberately lied to the Committee of Privileges (COP) regarding his handling of former WP MP Raeesah Khan’s false statement in Parliament. Judge Luke Tan found that Singh “wilfully” misled the committee about his instructions to Khan, ultimately imposing the maximum fine of $7,000 per charge.
Legal and Political Implications
Despite the guilty verdict, the Elections Department confirmed that Singh remains eligible to contest in the next general election. The Constitution only disqualifies MPs who receive a fine of at least $10,000 for a single offence or a jail sentence of at least one year.
Experts suggest that while this conviction may impact Singh’s reputation, it is unlikely to drastically alter voter sentiment. Political analyst Dr. Teo Kay Key from the Institute of Policy Studies noted that most voters have already formed opinions about Singh and the WP. Supporters may view this case as politically motivated, while detractors see it as proof of dishonesty.
Case Background – The Raeesah Khan Controversy
The case stems from an incident in August 2021 when Raeesah Khan falsely claimed in Parliament that she had accompanied a sexual assault victim to a police station. Singh allegedly told Khan to maintain her falsehood instead of clarifying it. The COP later found that Singh had given misleading testimony, leading to the current legal proceedings.
The Court’s Verdict and Justification
Judge Tan emphasized the importance of honesty in parliamentary proceedings, stating that Singh’s false testimony was an attempt to protect his political standing. The prosecution successfully argued that Singh’s actions were a betrayal of public trust and warranted the maximum penalty.
Impact on the Workers’ Party
Following the verdict, WP chair Sylvia Lim reaffirmed the party’s commitment to overcoming challenges, stating that WP would “rise to the occasion.” Other WP MPs, including Jamus Lim and Gerald Giam, attended the hearing in support of Singh.
Despite the controversy, political observers believe WP’s influence remains strong. The party’s history of weathering political storms, such as the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC) saga, suggests that it will continue to play a significant role in Singapore’s political landscape.
Public Reaction and Election Outlook
Public sentiment on the case appears divided. Independent analyst Felix Tan noted that Singaporeans are likely more concerned about pressing issues such as the rising cost of living and housing affordability. He argued that Singh’s case is unlikely to be a major election issue.
However, how Singh and WP handle this controversy in the coming months will be crucial. WP’s ability to maintain voter confidence will depend on its response and strategy leading up to the elections.
Conclusion
Pritam Singh’s conviction marks a significant moment in Singapore’s political history. While the guilty verdict may tarnish his reputation, experts agree that it is unlikely to cause a seismic shift in voter behavior. As Singapore heads into its next general election, WP will need to navigate this controversy carefully to maintain its standing as the country’s leading opposition party.
