Despite Guilty Verdict, Public Support for the Opposition Leader Remains Strong
Pritam Singh, Leader of the Opposition and secretary-general of the Workers’ Party, was found guilty of lying to the Committee of Privileges (COP) about his management of the Raeesah Khan incident. Despite this, his political standing appears undiminished as he prepares for the upcoming General Election.
On 17 February, Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan convicted Singh on two counts of deliberately misleading the COP, imposing the maximum fine of $7,000 per charge. Singh, however, announced his intention to appeal the ruling.
The case dates back to August 2021 when Raeesah Khan admitted to providing false information in Parliament. The investigation centred on whether Singh instructed her to maintain the deception. Singh’s conviction marks a reversal of fortunes just as the election season approaches.
Despite the legal outcome, Singh is eligible to contest in GE2025 and retain his seat as a Member of Parliament, even if his appeal is unsuccessful.
Public sentiment, however, appears largely unaffected. Online discussions reveal a mix of opinions, with a considerable amount of support for Singh. Notably, his retort to a question about resigning—“I will step up”—has evolved into a rallying cry, with #stepup gaining traction on social media.
Many observers believe that opinions were formed long before the verdict was delivered. For most supporters, the judgement did little to alter their perception of Singh’s credibility or leadership.
The scrutiny faced by Singh, as opposed to Raeesah Khan, has sparked conversations about political bias. Singh himself pointed out in a 2022 Parliamentary speech that the investigation seemed more focused on the Workers’ Party’s leadership than on the reasons behind Khan’s initial falsehood.
Although the charges were brought forward by the Attorney-General’s Chambers, they were recommended by the COP, composed predominantly of People’s Action Party (PAP) members, leading some to speculate about political motivations.
This development, occurring just before GE2025, has positioned Singh as a political underdog. Some analysts suggest that the legal proceedings, instead of damaging his reputation, have galvanised his supporters, potentially turning him into a symbol of resistance against the political establishment.
Following his sentencing, Singh remained composed and confident, stating, “It is up to the public to decide how they wish to exercise their vote. The Workers’ Party stands for a more balanced political landscape in Singapore.”
As Singapore approaches GE2025, political analysts suggest that the electorate’s focus is likely to be on pressing issues such as the cost of living, housing, and economic stability, rather than Singh’s legal troubles.
While the ruling party may attempt to leverage the verdict against Singh and the Workers’ Party, historical trends suggest that loyal supporters are unlikely to be swayed. As the political landscape evolves, Singh’s narrative as an underdog may prove to be his most powerful campaign card.
