WP’s reprimand of Pritam Singh a ‘slap on the wrist’ that raises questions about accountability, analysts say

He also called for greater transparency over how the CEC weighed possible sanctions before deciding on a reprimand.

RALLY AROUND THE LEADER

National University of Singapore assistant professor of political science Elvin Ong said the WP had pointed to mitigating factors in its statement, including that Mr Singh did not intend to do anything “prejudicial to the welfare of the party”.

The outcome of the disciplinary inquiry makes clear that the party stands firmly behind its secretary-general, despite his actions and the court’s ruling, said observers.

“It’s telling the people that they do recognise that Pritam did such a thing and (that they) are not contravening the court’s decision at all, but also finding a balanced outcome,” said Dr Felix Tan.

“Whether anyone thinks it is a good or bad outcome, the finding itself shows that the party does not feel that Pritam should be gotten rid of or kicked out of the party.”

The party is set to issue a notice for a special cadre members’ conference within the next two weeks.

The investigating team will need to explain to the party’s cadre ranks how it reached its conclusion, Dr Tan added.

“They will find a middle ground and compromise between all camps in the party. After all, is there anyone else who has the influence that Pritam has within the party now?” he said.

However, SMU’s Assoc Prof Tan noted that while party supporters have largely closed ranks, Mr Singh’s “credibility and integrity have been undermined within and outside the party” throughout the saga.