Pritam Singh Fined SGD 14,000 for Lying to Parliament

Pritam Singh, Singapore's opposition leader and secretary-general of the Workers' Party, was fined SGD 14,000 for lying under oath to a parliamentary committee, relating to the case of former MP Raeesah Khan who made false claims in Parliament. The court found Singh guilty on two counts, imposing a fine of SGD 7,000 for each charge, but his penalties do not disqualify him from contesting in the upcoming general elections. Singh stated he intends to appeal the conviction and is preparing for the elections expected later this year. The ruling is significant as it underscores the challenges facing Singapore's political opposition, which has struggled against the long-standing dominance of the ruling People's Action Party. Judge Luke Tan emphasized the importance of providing truthful evidence in parliamentary proceedings, while Singh acknowledged the difficulties ahead in the election battle. As per the law, only fines exceeding SGD 10,000 or a jail term of one year would lead to disqualification from Parliament.