Workers’ Party (WP) Secretary-General Pritam Singh has been convicted of lying to a parliamentary committee, receiving fines totaling S$7,000 each for two charges.
Although the penalties do not surpass the S$10,000 threshold per charge that would disqualify him from Parliament, critics argue that his reputation is at stake.
People’s Action Party (PAP) is likely to reinforce calls for trust and credibility, highlighting that any breach of honesty—regardless of party—undermines public confidence.
Workers’ Party Response
Singh addressed supporters with a defiant statement, declaring that he must “step up, not step down.”
The WP quickly aligned itself with his stance by launching a #StepUp campaign on social media.
According to party insiders, the campaign was designed to rally support around the notion that Singh is ready to shoulder greater responsibility in spite of the legal setback.
Supporters argue the conviction inadvertently strengthened Singh’s standing as a political underdog, potentially galvanising voters who see him as confronting adversity head-on.
“He could have shied away from the spotlight,” one longtime WP supporter remarked, “but instead he’s choosing to show resolve.”
Honesty still matters
At its core, Singh’s conviction probes the extent to which truthfulness is pivotal in sustaining a functioning democracy.
When an elected official misleads Parliament, repercussions inevitably follow — be they legal penalties, reputational harm, or loss of public trust.
While Singh retains his seat, the fallout reminds politicians across the spectrum of their responsibility to maintain the integrity of Singapore’s legislative process.
