Pritam Singh's Parliamentary Lies Trial Begins

The trial of Pritam Singh, Singapore's Leader of the Opposition and Workers' Party chief, commenced on October 14, 2024, over charges of lying to a parliamentary committee. Singh faces two charges under the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act for allegedly providing false testimony during an investigation into former party member Raeesah Khan's false claims in parliament about a sexual assault case. The prosecution argues Singh lied to the Committee of Privileges in December 2021 to minimize his responsibility, as he reportedly advised Khan to maintain her lie. Khan had initially lied in an August 2021 parliamentary session about accompanying a rape victim to a police station, a story she later admitted was false. Singh, who has pleaded not guilty, could face a fine, imprisonment, or both if convicted. This trial marks the first prosecution under this Act in Singapore, underscoring the city-state's emphasis on clean governance.