Pritam Singh’s failed appeal may cast WP chief in ‘negative light’ but political impact limited: Analysts

“This suggests voters are judging the party on broader grounds, for example, its parliamentary performance and constituency work, rather than on this single incident,” she said.

“Singaporean voters tend to be pragmatic, and so long as WP continues to demonstrate competence in its wards, any long-term political damage remains containable.”

WP supporters would not have left because of the verdict, but Mr Singh now needs to work on gaining the support and confidence of voters in the middle ground who are reserving judgment on it, Dr Mustafa said. 

“I think what he may need to do going forward is to let his deeds, his actions, do the talking.”

SMU’s Assoc Prof Tan said that WP occupies a “unique position” in Singapore’s political landscape. It is the only opposition party in the 15th parliament, and “the only party which has a standing that comes close to the PAP (People’s Action Party)”.

“So this setback will be cushioned somewhat,” he said. 

“The hard truth is that this final outcome is a severe reputational hit to him as a politician, a sitting Member of Parliament, the Leader of the Opposition, WP leader, and to the WP.”

With the 15th parliament still in its early days, the WP and Mr Singh “will have time to put this matter behind them”.

“But if he continues to cast doubt on his conviction or he or his party gets embroiled in another scandal in this parliamentary term, the special position of the WP could very quickly unravel,” said Assoc Prof Tan.