Singapore’s Workers’ Party (WP) has named the members of its disciplinary panel tasked with reviewing the conduct of Secretary-General Pritam Singh. The panel will consist of Members of Parliament He Ting Ru and Jamus Lim, alongside former Hougang MP Png Eng Huat.
Panel Composition and Context
The formation of this panel follows Mr. Singh’s conviction last year for providing false information to a parliamentary committee. The panel’s findings will be significant, as they will influence the political future of the WP’s leader.
Parliament recently passed a motion acknowledging that the High Court’s judgment regarding Mr. Singh has implications for party chair Sylvia Lim and vice-chair Faisal Manap, which will be addressed separately. Ms. He currently serves as the party’s treasurer, and Associate Professor Lim is its deputy head of policy research. Both represent Sengkang GRC.
An Unusual Appointment
The inclusion of Mr. Png on the panel is noteworthy. According to former and current party members, disciplinary panels are typically composed solely of members from the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), its primary decision-making body. Mr. Png, who represented Hougang from 2012 to 2020, stepped down from the CEC in 2022.
One party cadre, speaking anonymously, suggested Mr. Png’s presence “lends some weight” to the panel given his previous parliamentary experience. The composition of these panels is not typically made public.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this disciplinary panel?
The panel is tasked with reviewing the conduct of Workers’ Party Secretary-General Pritam Singh following his conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee.
Who is on the disciplinary panel?
The panel consists of Members of Parliament He Ting Ru and Jamus Lim, as well as former Hougang MP Png Eng Huat.
Is it common for disciplinary panels to include former MPs?
No, it is unusual. According to party members, such panels typically comprise only members of the party’s Central Executive Committee.
How the panel’s deliberations will unfold and what consequences, if any, Mr. Singh may face remain to be seen. The panel could recommend a range of actions, from a formal reprimand to a call for Mr. Singh to step down from his leadership position. It is also possible that no further action will be taken.
