The recent accusation against Workers Party leader Pritam Singh for allegedly lying to a parliamentary committee in a 2021 incident is seen as another instance of the ruling People’s Action Party in Singapore using legal means against opposition leaders.
The charges against Singh are not surprising considering Singapore’s history since its establishment in 1965. The PAP leaders and the Lee family are known for quickly resorting to lawsuits against the international media and opposition members to hamper their electoral prospects. This tactic has been used against prominent figures like Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam and Chee Soon Juan. Recent changes in the law have raised the minimum fines required for disqualification of MPs.
The timing of the charges against Singh, related to a two-year-old incident, is significant. Singh is accused of lying to a parliamentary committee about investigations into another falsehood controversy involving a Workers Party MP. The Workers’ Party made substantial gains in the 2020 elections, winning ten seats.
The controversy arose when Raeesah Khan, a then-rising star in the Workers Party, admitted to fabricating a story in a parliamentary debate. The PAP initiated an investigation, leading to Singh’s current legal troubles. Despite clarifying her falsehood and resigning, the PAP continued pursuing the issue.
Singh testified to the parliamentary committee, criticizing its focus on unverified claims rather than the root cause of Khan’s lie. The PAP-dominated parliament accepted the report’s findings and referred Singh and another leader for further investigation. Singh was officially charged two years later.
Legal experts speculate that Singh may avoid severe consequences, as prosecutors are seeking a fine rather than jail time. The lawsuit appears aimed at damaging Singh’s reputation and that of the Workers’ Party. The next election is not due until November 2025, but analysts suggest it could be called sooner.
The partisan nature of the government’s actions is evident, with the committee investigating Singh led by a speaker who later resigned due to scandals. Singh’s charging coincided with another high-profile case, raising suspicions of political motivations behind the timing.
Prime Minister Lee’s plans to step down before the next general election suggest that the charges against Singh could be part of a strategy to ensure a smooth transition of power within the party.
