Singapore — There’s been an outpouring of support online for Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh, who posted a sombre and dignified response to the release of Parliament’s Committee of Privileges findings and recommendations on the Raeesah Khan case.
The committee recommended that Ms Khan be fined S$35,000 for having told falsehoods in Parliament on Aug 3 and Oct 4.
The committee, commonly referred to as the COP, concluded that the Workers’ Party’s leaders lied in relation to the complaint against Ms Khan. It found that she had acted under the direction of Mr Singh, party chair Sylvia Lim and vice-chair Faisal Manap.
It also recommended that Mr Singh and Mr Manap be referred to the Public Prosecutor in relation to Mr Singh’s conduct before the committee and Mr Manap’s possible contempt of Parliament for refusing to answer “relevant” questions. The Public Prosecutor will then consider if criminal proceedings should be launched against the two Aljunied GRC MPs.
On Facebook, shortly after the COP report was released, Mr Singh wrote that he had looked at it, as well as the recommendation to refer Mr Manap and himself for prosecution.
He said he would have more to say on the report in Parliament in the coming week, he acknowledged that the outcome could be grave for him and Mr Manap, including the possible loss of their parliamentary seats if either is fined $2,000 or more.
In the meantime, he said, both of them are committed to keep on keeping on.
“Until there is some resolution to these matters which may take some time yet, Faisal and I will continue our work – including but not limited to MPS, estate walks, hous,e visits and other parliamentary commitments – as per normal. The same goes for Team The Workers’ Party and its activities, including our outreach efforts in previously contested constituencies.”
The WP chief thanked the public for their encouragement and support for the Workers’ Party’s efforts to build a more democratic Singapore, “one that all Singaporeans can be proud of”.
He ended his post this way: “That work will continue”, and attached a photo of a recent postcard from a WP supporter.
Many netizens offered comments in support of the WP and its leadership.
Many commenters were also highly critical of what they deemed the tactics of the ruling party to squelch the opposition.
As one supporter wrote, “The People are watching very closely.”
/TISG
https://theindependent.sg/breaking-news-cop-recommends-raeesah-khan-s35000-fine-pritam-singh-faisal-manap-to-be-referred-for-criminal-proceedings/