Singapore's largest opposition party, the Workers' Party, voted to retain Pritam Singh as its chief at a party meeting on Sunday, despite his recent court conviction. The decision came after Singh spoke and answered questions from members about his conviction, according to a party statement.
Party Meeting and Vote
The meeting, held on June 28, 2026, saw members discuss Singh's conviction and its implications for the party. After a lengthy session, the party voted to keep Singh as secretary-general, a position he has held since 2018. The Workers' Party did not disclose the exact vote count but said the decision was made with a clear majority.
Background of the Conviction
Singh was convicted earlier in June 2026 for lying to a parliamentary committee investigating a former lawmaker's affair. He was fined S$7,000 (about US$5,200) and sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment, though he is appealing the conviction. The case stemmed from testimony Singh gave in 2021 regarding Raeesah Khan, a former Workers' Party MP who admitted to lying in parliament.
Impact on Opposition
The retention of Singh as party chief is seen as a move to maintain stability within the opposition ahead of the next general election, which must be held by 2027. Political analysts note that the Workers' Party holds 10 of 93 elected seats in parliament, making it the largest opposition group. Singh's leadership has been credited with the party's electoral gains in recent years.
Reactions and Future
Singh thanked party members for their trust and vowed to continue fighting for accountability and transparency. He stated, "I am grateful for the support of my comrades and will work tirelessly to strengthen our party and serve Singaporeans." The government has not commented on the party's decision.
