Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh to Stand Trial
Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh, the secretary-general of the Workers’ Party (WP), is scheduled to go on trial starting on October 14 at the State Courts. The trial will revolve around two charges related to alleged lies told to a parliamentary committee that was convened in November 2021 to investigate a lying controversy involving former WP MP Raeesah Khan.
Background Information
- Ms. Khan was found guilty of abusing parliamentary privilege by the committee and was fined $35,000.
- The committee recommended potential criminal charges against Singh and WP vice-chairman Faisal Manap for not being truthful in their testimonies.
- Singh was charged on March 19, 2024, for providing false answers to the committee’s questions in December 2021.
- Each charge against Singh carries a maximum penalty of a $7,000 fine, a jail term of up to three years, or both.
Key Allegations Against Singh
- Singh allegedly lied to the committee about wanting Ms. Khan to clarify her untruthful claim made on August 3, 2021.
- He is also accused of providing false testimony regarding a meeting with Ms. Khan on October 3, 2021.
Legal Ramifications
- If convicted, Singh could face significant penalties, including fines and jail time.
- The Constitution stipulates that an MP will lose their seat if they are jailed for at least one year or fined at least $10,000.
- In 2022, the Constitution was amended to increase the fine quantum for disqualification to $10,000 to align with current sentencing practices in Singapore.
This trial marks a significant moment in post-independence Singapore, as it is the first prosecution under Section 31(q) of the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act (PPIPA). The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the political landscape and the accountability of public officials.