Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has removed the designation of Leader of the Opposition from Mr Pritam Singh.
The decision came after Parliament passed a motion yesterday (Jan 14) expressing regret at Mr Singh’s conduct. The motion also considers him unsuitable to continue his role as Leader of the Opposition.
“Having considered the matter carefully, I have decided that Mr Singh’s criminal convictions, taken together with Parliament’s considered view of his unsuitability, make it no longer tenable for him to continue as the LO.
“This decision is necessary to uphold the rule of law, as well as the dignity and integrity of Parliament,” said PM Wong in a statement.
Parliament on Pritam Singh’s conduct
Leader of the House Indranee Rajah, who moved the motion, argued that Mr Singh’s conduct undermines the high standards of integrity for which Singapore is known.
“The misconduct in question is not trivial. It involves multiple lies to different persons at different times, guiding a junior MP to do the wrong thing and a failure of leadership,” she said.
Ms Indranee also stressed that honesty and integrity cannot be seen as “abstract ideas” or “optional virtues”. Instead, they form the “foundation of public trust”.
“The authority of the Parliament does not rest on law alone, but on the confidence and trust that Singaporeans have in Parliament – in its processes and its members.
“When an MP lies to Parliament…, it strikes at the trust that Singaporeans place in us, as well as the solemn duty we owe to the people we serve,” said Ms Indranee.
The need to uphold principles of good governance
Good governance has long been integral to Singapore’s success.
Ms Indranee emphasised that honesty and integrity in our politicians are “non-negotiable”. It is also an issue that must rise above partisan politics.
“If Parliament allows these standards to slip, distrust will gradually take root, and public confidence…will be eroded.
“The damage will be profound and exceedingly difficult to recover from,” said Ms Indranee.
In her closing speech, Ms Indranee maintained that Singaporeans deserve a good opposition. One who will “uphold the rule of law”, “observe due process,” and respect the integrity of institutions.
“We cannot talk about a first-world Parliament and effective checks and balances if fundamental values of honesty, integrity and accountability are not upheld,” she said.
“We have a solemn duty to make sure that politics in Singapore remains upright and honourable.”
Recognising the important role the LO plays in our political system, PM Wong has invited the WP to nominate another elected MP not implicated in the earlier findings of the Committee of Privileges to serve as the next LO.
“This nominee…must be able to meet the high standards expected of this office. I hope to receive the Workers’ Party’s nomination soon, so that this important position does not remain vacant for too long,” said PM Wong.
