SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong confirmed on 5 May 2024 that Pritam Singh, chief of the Workers’ Party (WP), will continue to serve as Leader of the Opposition. This announcement followed Singh’s earlier comments expressing uncertainty about his future in the role.
In response to media queries, Mr Singh revealed that the decision regarding the opposition leadership ultimately lies with the governing party. Wong emphasized Singh’s ongoing responsibilities, acknowledging the WP’s significant gains in the recent General Election (GE).
Recent Election Results
- WP retained Aljunied GRC, Sengkang GRC, and Hougang SMC.
- They achieved ten elected seats and received two Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) seats.
- The party narrowly lost in Jalan Kayu SMC and Tampines GRC.
Despite these victories, WP’s overall vote share dipped slightly to 50.04% compared to 50.5% in 2020, while the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) secured a commanding 65.57% of the votes.
Leadership and Strategic Insights
Singh, who was appointed Leader of the Opposition post-2020 election, noted the importance of adaptability in political strategy. During a press briefing following the elections, he stressed that the WP must remain dynamic regarding electoral boundary changes and public sentiment.
Singh pointed out: “Politics is a long road, and every milestone that you reach, there will always be something that you can make use of…” He underscored the need for continual engagement with the electorate, stating, “nothing is more powerful than the people’s voice.”
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
The recent electoral outcome poses both challenges and opportunities for the WP, with party leaders expressing optimism about potential renewal plans. WP Chair Sylvia Lim highlighted that three of the elected MPs are new faces, signalling a shift towards involving younger leaders in governance.
Singh concluded the media session by reiterating the party’s commitment to serving the residents: “Elections are now over, and we get back to the business of making this the best home for all of us.”