Debate Looms Over Opposition Leader Singh’s Removal in Singapore

This Wednesday, Singapore's Parliament is preparing to engage in a crucial debate regarding the potential ousting of Pritam Singh, who holds the position of Leader of the Opposition, following his conviction for providing false testimony to Parliament. The motion, challenging Singh's fitness for the role, was put forward by Indranee Rajah, the Leader of the House and a member of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), who cited Singh's behavior as “dishonourable and unbecoming.”

At 49, Singh has made history as Singapore's first official Leader of the Opposition since the nation's independence in 1965, having taken on the role after the Workers' Party secured five seats in the 2020 general election, boosting their total representation to ten seats in Parliament. In the 2025 elections, however, the PAP continued its long-standing dominance by winning 87 of 97 parliamentary positions, leaving the Workers' Party with the remaining seats.

The controversy stems from a 2024 court ruling, which found Singh guilty on two accounts of lying to Parliament concerning false statements made in 2021 about fellow party member Raeesah Khan, who also confessed to misleading Parliament. Although fined, Singh retained his seat and remains eligible to contest in the 2025 elections, with his appeal against the ruling rejected in December.

Indranee highlighted the seriousness of Singh's actions, asserting that perjury is a grave offense, and emphasized the importance of upholding rigorous standards of integrity among leaders in Singapore. She also mentioned that the conduct of other Workers' Party leadership figures, including chair Sylvia Lim and vice-chair Faisal Manap, will come under scrutiny due to Singh’s case, possibly leading to consequences.

As Parliament prepares for this significant discussion, the focus will be on deciding the appropriate response to Singh's conviction and actions, reinforcing Singapore's commitment to transparency and accountability within public office.