Singapore’s Workers’ Party (WP) will establish a disciplinary panel to determine whether its leader, Pritam Singh, violated the party’s Constitution following his recent conviction in court. The decision was announced on January 3rd by the party’s central executive committee (CEC).
Internal Review and Upcoming Conference
The CEC, of which Mr. Singh is a member, convened on January 2nd to discuss the implications of the December 4th High Court ruling upholding Mr. Singh’s conviction on two counts of providing false statements to a parliamentary committee. The meeting also addressed a request for a special cadre members’ conference, which had been acknowledged by party chairwoman Sylvia Lim on December 28th.
According to a statement released by the WP, the CEC believes it is appropriate to hold the special conference after the disciplinary panel concludes its work, ensuring due process is followed. The CEC, comprised of 19 members including 12 elected MPs and former Aljunied GRC MPs Faisal Manap and Low Thia Khiang, has set a three-month deadline for the disciplinary process. Notice for the special conference will be issued within two weeks of the panel’s completion.
Constitutional Considerations
While the WP statement did not specify which clauses of its Constitution are relevant, Mr. Singh previously referenced the party’s standards for honesty and transparency when addressing the resignation of two party members in 2023. He stated that the party’s Constitution “requires candidates to be honest and frank in their dealings with the party and the people of Singapore.”
More than 20 cadre members have reportedly submitted a letter requesting the special conference be held in February, with some members indicating they wish to discuss whether Mr. Singh should step down as party chief. The WP has approximately 100 cadre members, who are appointed by the CEC and are the only members eligible to attend and vote at these conferences.
Parliamentary Discussion and Background
These developments precede a scheduled discussion in Parliament in January regarding the appropriate response to Mr. Singh’s conviction. Leader of the House Indranee Rajah has stated that the conviction has implications for other party leaders, Sylvia Lim and Faisal Manap, and will be addressed during the January 12th parliamentary session. The discussion follows the December 4th High Court decision upholding Mr. Singh’s February 17th conviction and $14,000 fine for lying to the Committee of Privileges (COP).
The COP had previously deferred any sanctions for Mr. Singh, Ms. Lim, and Mr. Manap related to untruths made by former WP MP Raeesah Khan, pending the outcome of investigations and criminal proceedings against Mr. Singh. Mr. Singh’s trial, which began in October 2024, centered on whether he had encouraged Ms. Khan to maintain a falsehood and his intent behind statements made to her.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the formation of the disciplinary panel?
The panel was formed following the December 4th High Court decision upholding Pritam Singh’s conviction on two counts of lying to a parliamentary committee.
Who is eligible to attend the special cadre members’ conference?
Only cadre members, who are appointed by the CEC, can attend and vote at the special cadre members’ conference.
What is the timeline for these proceedings?
The disciplinary process is expected to be concluded within three months, and notice for the special cadre members’ conference will be issued within two weeks of the panel’s completion.
Given the ongoing internal review and upcoming parliamentary discussions, how might these events shape the future direction of the Workers’ Party?
