Opposition leader and Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh was charged on March 19 with two counts of lying to a parliamentary committee, marking a significant development in the Raeesah Khan saga surrounding the party.
The charges stem from Singh’s testimony before a committee of privileges in November 2021, which was convened to investigate a lying controversy involving former WP MP Raeesah Khan.
Mr Pritam Singh was charged for allegedly “being untruthful” in his evidence to the COP.
The details of his charges as stated by Police:
- On 10 December 2021, Mr Pritam Singh falsely testified that as at the conclusion of his meeting with Ms Raeesah Begum Bte Farid Khan (“Ms Raeesah Khan”), Ms Lim Swee Lian Sylvia and Mr Faisal Manap on 8 August 2021, he wanted Ms Raeesah Khan to, at some point, clarify in Parliament that what she told Parliament on 3 August 2021 about having accompanied a rape victim to a police station was untrue.
- On 10 and 15 December 2021, Mr Pritam Singh falsely testified that when he spoke to Ms Raeesah Khan on 3 October 2021, he wanted her to admit to having lied to Parliament on 3 August 2021 about having accompanied a rape victim to a police station, if this issue were to come up in Parliament on 4 October 2021.
The committee alleged that Singh had not been truthful during the hearings while under oath, prompting a recommendation to refer him to the public prosecutor for further investigations.
Parliament later endorsed this recommendation, leading to the formal charges being brought against Singh. The consequences of these charges could have far-reaching implications for the future of both Singh and the WP. The charges against Mr Singh carry a maximum penalty of a fine not exceeding $7,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 years. Mr Singh was formally charged in the State Courts on 19 March 2024 and will have to face the legal proceedings in relation to the allegations.
The WP has been embroiled in controversy in recent years, with a series of high-profile scandals and resignations casting a shadow over the party’s reputation.
On the other hand, Mr Faisal Manap, another Member of Parliament who was also referred to the Public Prosecutor for his conduct before the COP, will not be facing any charges. alleged.
According to the Police Press Release, the Prosecution has decided not to prefer any charges against Mr Faisal Manap for allegedly refusing to answer relevant questions during the investigation. However, in consultation with the Prosecution, the Police have issued an advisory to Mr Faisal Manap to remind him of the expected conduct of Members of Parliament under the Act.
Mr Faisal Manap has acknowledged the advisory and has been advised to familiarize himself with the rules and regulations governing the conduct of Members of Parliament to avoid any potential breaches in the future.
As these legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how Mr Pritam Singh will defend himself against the charges brought against him and what implications this case may have on the political landscape in Singapore.
PRITAM SINGH ISSUES STATEMENT
Pritam Singh issued as statement after he came out of the court after the session.
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