Political analysts in Singapore say the charges against Workers Party ( WP ) secretary-general Pritam Singh on Tuesday ( Mar 19 ) are a blow to the opposition party because the next election must be held by November 2025.
According to Associate Professor Eugene Tan of the Singapore Management University ( SMU), the case is” a setback that you would prefer not to have to deal with,” because “time and resources will have to be invested in preparing the defense.”
” But I think we can expect the Workers ‘ Party to take it in their swing, and they will not let this matter become a distraction for them,” he said.” But given that things have come where they are, I think we can expect them to take it in their swing.”
A legislative committee convened to examine the conduct of Ms. Khan, who allegedly lied in congress about a murder case that she claimed was handled by the police, was charged with two counts of falsely responding.
He is accused of lying to the Committee of Privileges in his evidence on two markets he had with Ms. Khan about her lying in parliament in December 2021.
Singh pleaded not guilty. Up to three years in prison and a fine of up to S$ 7 000 ( US$$ 5, 200 ) are the penalties for each offense.
A person is barred from running for office in May 2022, while a sitting MP may lose their seats, as required by laws passed in May 2022. They are also subject to jail time of at least one year in prison or a fine of at least S$ 10,000. The suspension is for five decades.
In Singh’s event, the trial intends to ask the court to establish a fine. According to law experts, his death as an MP if he is found innocent depends on how the Constitution is read.
Singh said in a statement following his court appearance that he would carry out all of his parliamentary and town council duties as MP for Aljunied Group Representation Constituency ( GRC ) “until the legal process comes to a close.”
If Singh is found innocent before the next GE, this may change his trust and there will slightly be “reputational injury” to the WP, which will have to present it is as “scrupulous” as the ruling People’s Action Party, said Assoc Prof Tan.
However, a criminal ruling is unlikely to change the opinions of steadfast opposition supporters, and it will probably only affect the preferences of citizens who are not affiliated with any political party, he said.
Independent political scientist Dr. Felix Tan said if the situation is still continued by the time the GE is called, it would serve as” a negotiation device to attract Singaporeans to vote for the PAP because they are more trustworthy.”
However, Dr. Gillian Koh, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies ( IPS), argued that the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council case “hanging over them” when contesting the 2015 and 2020 elections.
The WP team fielded to Aljunied GRC, including Singh, were also re- elected, she noted.
They attempt to show how valiant and devoted they are to serving the people by putting themselves forth as being unfazed by these threats and challenges, she said.