Pritam Singh to continue all parliamentary, town council duties until legal process comes to 'complete close'

SINGAPORE: Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh said on Tuesday (Mar 19) that he will continue with all parliamentary duties and town council responsibilities until the legal process related to his charges comes to a “complete close”. 

He was charged on Tuesday with making false statements before a parliamentary committee, in relation to a lie that his party’s former lawmaker Raeesah Khan told in the House in 2021.

The 47-year-old, who is also the Leader of the Opposition, pleaded not guilty to two charges under the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act.

“Until the legal process comes to a complete close, I will continue with all my parliamentary duties and town council responsibilities – including, but not limited to, meet-the-people sessions, estate walks, house visits, Hammer outreaches, amongst others,” he said in a Facebook post. 

The charges come two years after the committee said he had lied under oath during the hearings.

Ms Khan’s case came about in November 2021 when she admitted to lying in parliament over a rape incident that she had alleged was mishandled by the police. She resigned later that month.

In his Facebook post, Singh reiterated his not guilty plea to both charges.

“When I first entered politics some years ago now, I was under no illusion as to the challenges that lay ahead in building a more balanced and democratic political system in Singapore. Even as the work continues, it has been my privilege and honour to be part of a Workers’ Party team that advances this cause. 

“I will continue to play my part in this endeavour and I thank all Singaporeans for your continued support for the efforts of the Workers’ Party. Let’s press on,” he said. 

If found guilty, Singh may be jailed for up to three years, fined up to S$7,000, or both, for each charge.

A spokesperson for the Attorney-General's Chambers later said in response to media queries that the prosecution will ask the court to impose a fine for each charge if Singh is found guilty.

The spokesperson added that the prosecution's position is "based on the evidence presently available and considering the totality of the circumstances".

"It will be for the court to decide whether Mr Pritam Singh is guilty of the charges.  If he is found guilty, it is for the court to decide what the appropriate punishment should be," the spokesperson said.