In a landmark ruling for Singaporean politics, Pritam Singh, head of the Workers’ Party, has been found guilty of giving false statements under oath to Parliament. Despite his conviction and a fine of 14,000 Singaporean dollars, Singh is permitted to continue serving and can run in the November election.
Singapore Opposition Leader Found Guilty but Remains Eligible for Election
Singapore Opposition Leader Found Guilty but Remains Eligible for Election
Pritam Singh, leader of Singapore's Workers’ Party and Parliament member, is fined for lying under oath yet can still contest in upcoming elections.
In a significant ruling on February 17, 2025, Singapore’s court found Pritam Singh, the principal opposition leader and a key figure in the Workers’ Party, guilty of making false statements under oath during a parliamentary inquiry. The court fined him 7,000 Singaporean dollars (approximately $5,220) for each of the two counts against him. This decision has sparked debates on its implications for Singh's political career and the Worker’s Party’s future.
Singh, who is the first opposition leader to be formally recognized in Singapore following the 2020 general elections, where his party secured a record number of parliamentary seats, has maintained that he will appeal the verdict. His conviction, however, does not disqualify him from the upcoming elections, as Singaporean law stipulates that candidates are ineligible for office only if fined over 10,000 Singaporean dollars for a single offense.
The case revolves around criticisms of Singh’s management of issues concerning fellow party member Raeesah Khan, who admitted to lying during a session in Parliament about a sexual assault case. The parliamentary inquiry into Khan’s statements ultimately led to Singh's charges, which were referred to prosecutors after extensive questioning.
Political analysts are divided over the handling of Singh's case, with some arguing that parliamentary censure could have sufficed instead of legal prosecution. Political commentator PN Balji noted, “The parliamentary committee was the right body to investigate this,” underlining concerns about the judicial system's involvement in what might be considered political matters.
The current political climate in Singapore is notably turbulent, marred by scandals affecting various government officials. As the People's Action Party (P.A.P.), the dominant political force for decades, prepares to contest the elections under new leadership—Lawrence Wong having succeeded longtime prime minister Lee Hsien Loong—Singh’s conviction poses a significant challenge to the Worker’s Party’s aspirations and voter perceptions.
With the election deadline of November 23 looming, both Singh and the P.A.P. must navigate these tumultuous waters as citizens prepare to make their voices heard during a critical election cycle.
Singh, who is the first opposition leader to be formally recognized in Singapore following the 2020 general elections, where his party secured a record number of parliamentary seats, has maintained that he will appeal the verdict. His conviction, however, does not disqualify him from the upcoming elections, as Singaporean law stipulates that candidates are ineligible for office only if fined over 10,000 Singaporean dollars for a single offense.
The case revolves around criticisms of Singh’s management of issues concerning fellow party member Raeesah Khan, who admitted to lying during a session in Parliament about a sexual assault case. The parliamentary inquiry into Khan’s statements ultimately led to Singh's charges, which were referred to prosecutors after extensive questioning.
Political analysts are divided over the handling of Singh's case, with some arguing that parliamentary censure could have sufficed instead of legal prosecution. Political commentator PN Balji noted, “The parliamentary committee was the right body to investigate this,” underlining concerns about the judicial system's involvement in what might be considered political matters.
The current political climate in Singapore is notably turbulent, marred by scandals affecting various government officials. As the People's Action Party (P.A.P.), the dominant political force for decades, prepares to contest the elections under new leadership—Lawrence Wong having succeeded longtime prime minister Lee Hsien Loong—Singh’s conviction poses a significant challenge to the Worker’s Party’s aspirations and voter perceptions.
With the election deadline of November 23 looming, both Singh and the P.A.P. must navigate these tumultuous waters as citizens prepare to make their voices heard during a critical election cycle.
