Workers’ Party Urged to Nominate New Opposition Leader after PM’s Invitation

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has extended an invitation to the Workers’ Party (WP) to nominate a new Leader of the Opposition, following the removal of Pritam Singh from the position. Political analysts suggest that accepting this invitation would be advantageous for the WP, as it would allow the party to retain the benefits associated with the role in parliament.

In a letter addressed to the WP Central Executive Committee on January 15, 2024, Mr. Wong outlined the criteria for the new nominee. The selected candidate must be an elected MP who has not been implicated in prior findings related to the Committee of Privileges concerning former MP Raeesah Khan‘s misleading statements to parliament. The nominee is expected to uphold the high standards associated with this important office.

Political analysts emphasize that while it is not mandatory for the WP to nominate someone, doing so would provide significant advantages. The position of Leader of the Opposition confers additional resources, speaking time, and the opportunity to shape the role within a relatively new structure in Singapore’s parliamentary system.

Associate Professor of Political Science at the National University of Singapore, Chong Ja Ian, commented that the absence of a Leader of the Opposition would not hinder parliamentary functions. “The Singapore parliament operated without a designated Leader of the Opposition until recently and continued its legislative work,” he said.

Conversely, Tan Ern Ser, an adjunct principal research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, noted that failing to select a nominee could signal the WP’s continued support for Mr. Singh, implying his innocence regarding the allegations. Independent political analyst Dr. Felix Tan echoed this sentiment, stating that leaving the position vacant would suggest that the WP values both its party leadership and its historical significance.

On Wednesday, WP chair Sylvia Lim described the motion as a “party political exercise.” However, Dr. Tan cautioned that rejecting the nomination might overlook the opportunity to build upon the achievements of the previous Leader of the Opposition. He warned that forgoing a nomination could be detrimental due to the resources and influence the position provides.

The Leader of the Opposition role was officially designated after the 2020 general election, with Mr. Singh serving for over five years. This position includes privileges such as confidential government briefings on national issues, dedicated parliamentary office space, and additional staff support. The Leader of the Opposition also receives double the allowance of a regular MP and is granted equal speaking time to that of a minister.

In Mr. Wong’s recent statement, he expressed hope that the WP would submit its nomination swiftly, emphasizing the importance of not leaving the position vacant for an extended period. The WP confirmed receipt of the letter and stated that it would consider its contents through internal processes before responding.

As for the rationale behind Mr. Wong’s invitation to the WP to select a new nominee, experts highlighted that parliament voted to deem Mr. Singh unsuitable for the role. While the Prime Minister retains the discretion to appoint the opposition leader, doing so against parliamentary sentiment could undermine legislative authority, as noted by Associate Professor Chong.

Analysts point out that Mr. Wong’s decision to keep the role open for a WP nominee underscores its significance in Singaporean politics. Dr. Mustafa Izzuddin, a senior international affairs analyst, remarked that maintaining the position serves the public interest and enhances the parliamentary framework.

In identifying potential successors, analysts have noted four candidates emerging from the WP. These include Gerald Giam, the MP for Aljunied GRC; Dennis Tan, the MP for Hougang; and He Ting Ru and Jamus Lim, both MPs for Sengkang GRC. The criteria set forth by Mr. Wong eliminate WP chair Sylvia Lim from consideration due to her potential involvement in the events leading to Mr. Singh’s removal.

Among the remaining candidates, Mr. Giam is regarded as a veteran, having served as both a Non-constituency MP and an elected MP. His active participation in parliamentary debates enhances his candidacy. Mr. Tan, with strong support from the Hougang constituency, is also seen as a viable option. Additionally, Ms. He’s senior role within the WP’s decision-making body and Mr. Lim’s vocal presence in parliament contribute to their potential nominations.

While Mr. Singh has held the title since its inception, analysts contend that the Leader of the Opposition does not necessarily have to be the secretary-general of the party. The rules governing the position lack formal codification, leading to ambiguity in the criteria for selection. Observers have noted that in other parliamentary systems, the Leader of the Opposition often plays a role similar to that of a prime minister within a shadow cabinet, highlighting the evolving nature of this position in Singapore.

The WP now faces a critical decision on how to proceed, balancing the implications of their nomination against the backdrop of recent political developments. As the party deliberates, the significance of the Leader of the Opposition role remains a focal point in Singapore’s political landscape.