Charges Against Opposition Leader Spark Debate Over Penalties and Parliamentary Impact
SINGAPORE: Legal experts believe it is improbable that Leader of the Opposition and Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh will lose his parliamentary seat, even if convicted of the charges he currently faces under the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act.
Mr. Singh was charged on March 19 with alleged perjury during the Parliamentary Privileges Committee’s inquiry into former WP member Raeesah Khan. Pleading not guilty, he now awaits trial.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and the police issued a joint statement clarifying that a conviction could lead to a maximum sentence of three years in prison or a fine of up to $7,000, or both. However, the AGC emphasized that the prosecution intends to pursue a fine rather than imprisonment, based on the available evidence and overall circumstances.
Legal analysts noted that the penalties associated with the charges are unlikely to trigger disqualification from Parliament. Amendments to the Constitution in 2022 stipulate that MPs lose their seats only if fined S$10,000 or more or sentenced to more than one year of imprisonment. Since penalties for Mr. Singh’s charges do not reach this threshold, his position in Parliament is likely secure.
The case marks an unprecedented instance of an MP being charged under this Act. Legal practitioners highlighted that similar cases abroad—such as in India and the UK—could provide references for arguments due to the lack of local precedents. Others suggested that domestic cases involving perjury might suffice for judicial reference.
Observers do not expect the case to significantly influence Singapore’s next election, as the allegations have been under investigation for over two years. Addressing speculation that the charges could be politically motivated, a lawyer stressed the case’s emphasis on maintaining honesty and integrity within Parliament.
The ruling People’s Action Party has stated it will not seek to suspend Mr. Singh during the ongoing legal proceedings. Grace Fu, the party’s organizing secretary, affirmed Parliament’s decision to delay any sanctions regarding Mr. Singh, Ms. Sylvia Lim, and Mr. Faisal’s roles in the Raeesah Khan matter until investigations and legal processes conclude.
