On Thursday, 4 December 2024, Pritam Singh, the Leader of the Opposition and Chief of the Workers’ Party (WP), heads back to the Supreme Court to hear the outcome of his appeal against a conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee.
Background of the Case
Singh found himself in hot water after his conviction in February, where he was found guilty on two counts of giving false testimony regarding Raeesah Khan, a former WP Member of Parliament. Khan had previously told Parliament a fabricated story about a sexual assault case, leading to Singh’s legal troubles.
- Convicted for two counts of lying under oath.
- Received a total fine of S$14,000 (approximately US$10,600).
- The case has implications for his eligibility in the upcoming General Election.
Court Proceedings
Justice Steven Chong is set to announce the verdict from 9:45 AM, with Singh arriving at the court at 9:34 AM. His defence team faced intense scrutiny, particularly regarding a critical eight-week window post-Khan’s falsehood where no actions were taken to address the lies.
The discourse during the appeal included a notable debate about Singh’s use of the phrase “I will not judge you,” underscoring the complex dynamics tied to the case.
WP Members Show Support
As Singh awaits the court’s decision, fellow WP members Fadli Fawzi and Gerald Giam were on hand earlier at the Supreme Court, showcasing solidarity within the party during this trying time.
This high-profile case not only tests Singh’s political future but also holds considerable public interest, as it unfolds in the broader context of Singapore’s political landscape.