Singapore's opposition leader Pritam Singh guilty of false testimony in high-profile case

Pritam Singh, Singapore's Indian-origin Leader of the Opposition and secretary-general of the Workers' Party, was found guilty on Monday of giving false testimony to a parliamentary committee. This verdict could have significant political repercussions, potentially disqualifying him from Parliament and impacting his ability to contest in the upcoming general election.

Verdict Delivered in High-Profile Trial

In a ruling delivered by Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan, Singh was convicted on two counts related to his handling of Raeesah Khan, a former lawmaker from his party. The charges stemmed from Singh's alleged provision of false answers during the Committee of Privileges (COP) inquiry into Khan's case in December 2021. The court found that Singh had willfully misled the committee regarding his actions and knowledge about Khan's false claims.

Background of the Case

The controversy began when Khan falsely testified in Parliament about accompanying a sexual assault victim to the police station, claiming she witnessed inappropriate comments made by an officer. Following her admission of lying, Singh was accused of failing to ensure that Khan clarified her falsehoods, with Judge Tan stating that any claims to the contrary were deliberate lies. The judge noted that Singh did not take sufficient steps to address the situation.

Potential Political Consequences

Singh, 48, now faces a possible prison sentence of up to three years and fines totaling SGD 7,000 (approximately USD 5,290) for each charge. Under Singaporean law, if he is fined more than SGD 10,000 or jailed for over a year, he would be disqualified from contesting elections for five years. This conviction poses a significant setback for the Workers' Party as Singapore approaches its next general election, which must be held by November 2025.

Reactions and Next Steps

The sentencing for Singh is expected later today. His conviction marks a pivotal moment for Singapore's opposition landscape, particularly as the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) maintains a stronghold on political power. The outcome of this case could influence public perception and voter sentiment ahead of the upcoming elections.