Leader of the House Indranee Rajah has filed a parliamentary motion calling for members of parliament to consider whether Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh remains suitable to continue as Leader of the Opposition.
According to the Office of the Leader of the House, the motion will be discussed during a parliamentary sitting on or after January 13. The motion follows Mr Singh’s conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee.
The motion states that the role of Leader of the Opposition carries significant responsibilities, duties, and privileges. It adds that Mr Singh’s continued appointment “would undermine the standing of parliament and public confidence in the integrity of Singapore’s political system”.
Details of the Conviction
Mr Singh was convicted in February last year for lying to a parliamentary committee during proceedings related to former Member of Parliament Raeesah Khan. He was sentenced to a fine of fourteen thousand Singapore dollars.
Following the High Court’s dismissal of Mr Singh’s appeal against his conviction, Ms Indranee said in December that parliament must consider an “appropriate response” to his actions and convictions.
The motion also expresses regret over Mr Singh’s conduct, describing it as “dishonourable and unbecoming of a Member of Parliament”.
Statements Quoted in the Motion
In December, Ms Indranee said: “Whatever course of action the Workers’ Party may take, parliament must take notice of Mr Singh’s actions and convictions, and deliberate on an appropriate response.”
She added: “Lying under oath is a serious matter. In some countries, leaders who have lied, cheated, or flagrantly broken the law still escape any legal or political consequences. We cannot accept such standards in Singapore.”
The motion further highlights that honesty and integrity are core principles of Singapore’s parliamentary and political system. It calls on all Members of Parliament to uphold the law, act with integrity, and honour the trust placed in them by Singaporeans.
Implications for Other Leaders
The motion also notes that the High Court judgment has implications for Workers’ Party leaders Sylvia Lim and Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap. These implications, however, are to be considered separately.
The Workers’ Party’s top decision-making body has since directed that a disciplinary panel be formed to determine whether Mr Singh has breached the party’s constitution.
Privileges of the Leader of the Opposition
As Leader of the Opposition, Mr Singh receives confidential briefings from the government on selected matters related to national security and external relations. He is also entitled to an additional allowance to hire up to three extra legislative assistants, beyond what Members of Parliament usually receive.
The position comes with double the allowance of an elected Member of Parliament, amounting to about three hundred and eighty-five thousand Singapore dollars annually. The role also grants the right of first response during parliamentary debates and longer speaking time, similar to that given to political office holders.
