Workers’ Party Calls Special Conference After Pritam Singh’s Conviction

The Workers’ Party (WP) has announced plans for a special conference following the conviction of its secretary-general, Pritam Singh, for providing false testimony to a parliamentary committee. This decision was made in response to requests from party cadres, with discussions expected to take place in parliament on January 12, 2024.

According to a statement from the party, over 20 cadres have formally requested a special conference scheduled for February 2024. The Central Executive Committee (CEC), WP’s governing body, confirmed it would address this request. In a post on social media, WP stated, “The Workers’ Party confirms that a request has been made for a Special Cadre Members’ Conference, and Party Chair Sylvia Lim has acknowledged the receipt of this request.”

Party Governance and Decision-Making

Under the party’s Constitution, a special conference can be called by the chair, the CEC, or a minimum of 10 percent of the cadre membership, which is approximately 100 members. The current number of signatories meets the required threshold, indicating a significant level of concern among members regarding Singh’s situation. The upcoming meeting is expected to cover critical issues, including Singh’s future as party leader.

Insider sources reveal that the CEC is scheduled to convene on January 2, 2024, for its regular monthly meeting, although this gathering will address urgent matters related to Singh’s conviction. Such discussions typically occur on the first Tuesday of each month at the party’s headquarters in Geylang.

Disciplinary Processes and Historical Context

Former party members indicate that significant issues like Singh’s conviction necessitate a meeting of the CEC. They anticipate that either Sylvia Lim or enough CEC members will initiate an extraordinary meeting to deliberate on Singh’s case. This mirrors previous instances, notably involving former Member of Parliament Leon Perera.

While WP has indicated that an internal process is underway, the exact nature of this process remains unclear. It may involve a straightforward vote within the CEC or the establishment of a disciplinary committee, as seen in the case of Raeesah Khan. This latter approach would facilitate a more thorough evaluation of the situation, incorporating feedback from party members.

Insights from former cadre members highlight that the internal disciplinary procedures were originally set forth by Singh’s predecessor, Low Thia Khiang, to reinforce the authority of the CEC. As the party navigates this challenging period, the implications of Singh’s conviction and the subsequent responses from party leadership will be closely monitored by both members and the public.