SINGAPORE: On 4 November 2024, Pritam Singh, the Leader of the Opposition and head of the Workers’ Party, will have his appeal hearing regarding his conviction for lying to Parliament. In February this year, Singh was fined S$14,000 (approximately US$10,930) after a court found him guilty of two counts of perjury related to testimony he provided to a parliamentary committee.
Background of the Case
The charges arose after Singh was accused of giving false testimony about a conversation with former party member Raeesah Khan, who had fabricated a story about accompanying a sexual assault victim to a police station. The judge found that Singh had “wilfully” lied during his interactions with Khan and other senior party leaders.
Key Details of the Appeal
- Date and Time: 4 November 2024, 10am
- Lawyer: Andre Jumabhoy, who confirmed the hearing date
- Charges: Two counts of lying under oath
- Maximum Penalty: Each charge carries a fine of up to S$7,000 or imprisonment for up to three years
Singh intends to appeal both the conviction and the sentence. Despite the legal troubles, he successfully contested in the General Election on 3 May 2024, where his slate secured a notable 59.68% of the vote share in Aljunied GRC. Following the election, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong confirmed that Singh will maintain his position as Leader of the Opposition.
Looking Forward
As the appeal hearing approaches, all eyes will be on the proceedings and any developments that may arise from the court’s decision. This case continues to spark discussions about accountability and parliamentary integrity in Singapore.