SINGAPORE: Parliament must deliberate on an “appropriate response” to Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh’s actions and convictions, said Leader of the House Ms Indranee Rajah on Wednesday (Dec 17).
“Lying under oath is a serious matter. In some countries, leaders who have lied, cheated or flagrantly broken the law still escape any legal or political consequences. We cannot accept such standards in Singapore,” said Ms Indranee in a media statement.
She described the facts of the case as “disturbing”.
“The courts’ findings and Mr Singh’s convictions are a solemn reminder to all Members of Parliament that we have a sacred duty to uphold the rule of law and maintain honesty and integrity in our conduct.”
Singapore cannot have a first-world parliament or provide robust checks and balances unless MPs on both sides of the aisle hold themselves to high standards of conduct, added Ms Indranee, who is MP for Pasir Ris-Changi GRC and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.
“Whatever course of action the Workers’ Party may take, it is necessary for parliament to take notice of Mr Singh’s actions and convictions, and deliberate on an appropriate response,” she said, adding that the matter will be raised at the January sitting.
Her statement follows a High Court judge’s decision earlier this month to dismiss an appeal by the WP chief against his conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee, regarding the case of ex-MP Raeesah Khan.
