Pritam Singh Addresses Controversies in First National Interview

Pritam Singh, the Leader of the Opposition in Singapore, has expressed confidence despite facing allegations of dishonesty in the Raeesah Khan case. In his first national television interview on *The Assembly*, Singh stated he is “not losing much sleep” over being labeled a liar. He is currently appealing his conviction for allegedly misleading a parliamentary committee about his actions regarding the case. Singh emphasized that “the court of public opinion can be bigger than any court in the world,” reflecting on the political landscape where opponents may attempt to undermine his credibility.

Singh’s remarks came during an episode filmed months before his appeal, which was recently heard. When discussing the impact of the allegations, he noted that his party, the Workers’ Party (WP), successfully retained its ten parliamentary seats and gained two Non-Constituency Member of Parliament positions in this year’s general election. “We did pretty respectably,” he remarked, attributing his party’s support to the public’s awareness of ongoing political matters.

Support and Legal Challenges

In addition to the political developments, Singh highlighted an “incredible show of support from the public” during a fundraising campaign that raised over S$1 million (approximately US$768,000) in just three days. This financial support was aimed at covering legal fees related to two town council lawsuits involving Singh and other WP leaders, including Low Thia Khiang and Sylvia Lim. Singh recalled receiving numerous small donations, stating, “There are enough people in Singapore who don’t want the Workers’ Party to fail.”

The lawsuits stemmed from claims of improper payments totaling S$33.7 million by the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council and the former Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council. The Court of Appeal ruled that all defendants were liable for negligence, but Singh was cleared in one of the lawsuits, which was settled last year after mediation. He remarked, “If we misused the money, we’d be in jail today,” suggesting that some accusations may have been politically motivated rather than based on fact.

Addressing Personal and Political Controversies

In the interview, Singh also addressed the fallout from the extramarital affair involving WP members Leon Perera and Nicole Seah, which became public knowledge in 2023. Responding to a question from Trevor Lee, a participant on the panel, Singh described this as a “difficult question” but chose to focus on the contributions both individuals have made to the party. He expressed a desire for privacy in personal matters, stating, “In politics, there are very few private matters.”

When asked about the internal dynamics within the WP, Singh admitted that similar issues arise in all political parties. He acknowledged that while no manual exists for navigating such situations, leaders must do their best to address challenges as they arise. He credited his wife as a vital support during tough times, recognizing the unique difficulties faced by opposition parties within Singapore’s political climate.

Singh, who has been an MP since 2011, articulated his belief in the necessity of a balanced political system. He acknowledged the significant contributions made by the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) but stressed the importance of opposition voices in a parliamentary democracy. “The beauty of our political system is it’s designed to accommodate that,” he stated, asserting that opposition members should have a role in motivating and encouraging citizens.

He also shared his admiration for the younger generation’s approach to political discourse, noting their willingness to engage and express diverse viewpoints. When questioned about his favorite politician outside the WP, Singh praised President Tharman Shanmugaratnam for his articulate communication style and genuine belief in his positions.

Ultimately, Singh conveyed a sense of determination to improve the Workers’ Party’s appeal among Singaporeans, stating, “If we haven’t succeeded, maybe we need to work harder.” His remarks underscore his commitment to navigate the complexities of Singapore’s political landscape while maintaining focus on the party’s mission.

The full interview is available for viewing in the latest episode of *The Assembly*.