Singapore’s primary opposition leader Pritam Singh has faced a definitive legal setback as his appeal against a conviction for providing false statements to a parliamentary committee was dismissed by the High Court. The verdict, delivered on Friday before a crowded public gallery, marks a significant chapter in a political saga that has captivated the nation.
Singh, who serves as Secretary-General of the Workers’ Party, was originally convicted and fined S$14,000 (approximately $10,800) in February on two counts of deceit relating to his management of former party member Raeesah Khan. Khan, a former parliamentarian, admitted in 2021 to fabricating a story in legislative sessions about police misconduct toward a sexual assault victim.
The judicial ruling affirmed that Singh’s conduct was ‘strongly indicative’ of an intention to prevent Khan from rectifying her false testimony. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings, Singh expressed disappointment yet full acceptance of the court’s decision. He promptly settled his fines at the courthouse, remarking to journalists, ‘Might as well get it done.’
The controversy originated when Khan, during a committee investigation, alleged that Singh and other senior party figures instructed her to ‘continue with the narrative’ despite their awareness of the falsehood. Khan subsequently resigned from both the party and parliament and received a S$35,000 fine for lying and misusing parliamentary privilege.
During November’s appeal hearing, Singh’s legal team contended that the lower court had overlooked critical evidence and challenged the credibility of Khan and her aides. The defense argued that Singh’s apparent inaction was due to his desire to allow Khan time to manage the sensitive nature of the issue, alongside other professional and personal commitments.
However, the prosecution successfully maintained that Singh’s failure to act demonstrated a deliberate intent to conceal the truth. Despite the conviction, Singh retains his parliamentary seat and has committed to continuing his service to Singaporeans alongside his party colleagues. The Workers’ Party remains the sole opposition force in Singapore’s legislature, holding 12 of the 99 seats.
This case represents one of the rare criminal convictions against an incumbent opposition politician in Singapore, reigniting discussions about the intersection of judiciary and political rivalry in the city-state.