The appeal of Pritam Singh, Leader of the Opposition and secretary-general of the Workers’ Party, is making waves as he battles against his conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee. Having received a fine of S$14,000 for two charges regarding his handling of former party member Raeesah Khan’s false testimony, Singh’s legal fight sheds light on a highly publicised political saga.
Background of the Case
The charges stemmed from Ms Khan’s blatant lie in Parliament on 3 August 2021, where she claimed to have accompanied a rape victim to a police station. Under questioning from Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, she doubled down on her story, only to later confess that her account was fabricated during a parliamentary statement on 1 November 2021.
- Charges: Two charges of wilfully giving false evidence.
- Initial Verdict: Singh was found guilty in February 2024 and fined S$7,000 for each charge.
- Trial Dates: Singh’s trial commenced on 14 October 2024.
Key Testimonies and Moments
The trial featured significant moments, including Ms Khan’s emotional testimony and appearances by other key witnesses, such as former WP chief Low Thia Khiang. Singh’s own testimonies aimed at disproving accusations that he had encouraged Ms Khan to maintain her lie.
- Ms Khan described feeling “very defeated and betrayed” by Singh and WP leaders.
- Low Thia Khiang testified in support of Singh but also emphasised the party’s responsibility towards transparency.
- Singh expressed his regret and disappointment over the situation during his testimony.
Prosecution’s Argument
The prosecution argued that Singh facilitated Ms Khan’s falsehood, leaving her feeling unsupported. They pointed to Singh’s inaction as indicative of his lack of compassion and guidance.
Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan, in his ruling, noted that Singh’s failure to counsel Ms Khan highlighted a neglect of duty, going against the expected behaviour of a party leader.
Next Steps in the Legal Battle
Singh announced his decision to appeal the conviction immediately following the verdict, calling the outcome disappointing. As the political landscape in Singapore continues to evolve, this case remains pivotal.
Looking Ahead
The public and political analysts alike will be watching the developments closely as Singh’s appeal unfolds. With the next General Elections on the horizon, the implications of this legal battle for the Workers’ Party could be substantial.