The Workers’ Party’s (WP) recent recruitment of Senior Counsel Harpreet Singh Nehal has generated considerable buzz, with many portraying it as a game-changing move.
Some see Singh as a “big fish” whose presence could significantly alter the WP’s trajectory. But this well-worn political tactic of parading a high-profile figure raises a critical question: does Singh’s entry represent real growth for the party, or is it just “old wine in a new bottle”?
## Who is Harpreet Singh?
Harpreet Singh Nehal is a prominent Senior Counsel in Singapore.
Singh’s legal career is distinguished by his role as a co-managing partner at Audent Chambers LLC, where he specialises in international arbitration and complex commercial litigation.
His academic credentials include degrees from the National University of Singapore and Harvard Law School. Singh was appointed as a Senior Counsel in 2007, an accolade that recognises his outstanding ability as an advocate and his extensive legal knowledge.
## Collective leadership over individual star power
While Harpreet Singh’s legal credentials are undeniably impressive, a single individual, no matter how distinguished, cannot single-handedly change the course of a political party.
Singaporeans have long emphasised collective leadership and shared responsibility, valuing the team and the vision they represent rather than individual star power. This principle holds especially true in Singapore’s political landscape, where voters are known to be discerning and pragmatic.
## Marine Parade mirage
The speculation about Singh running in Marine Parade GRC illustrates this point.
While his candidacy in such a constituency is intriguing, political success in areas like Marine Parade has been built on years of dedicated service and tangible improvements to residents’ lives.
Can a newcomer with impressive legal expertise but no prior political experience match the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) longstanding legacy in the area?
## More optics than substance
The WP’s reliance on Singh’s reputation risks being more about optics than substance, and Singaporeans are unlikely to be swayed by star power alone.
The reality is that one individual cannot transform an entire party or its capabilities.
The WP has often presented itself as the champion of the people, but without concrete policies and a clear direction, the recruitment of high-profile figures like Singh seems more like political theater than genuine progress.
