As reported by CNA (Channel NewsAsia, Nov 3 2025) — Leader of the Opposition and Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh will appear in court on Nov 4 2025 to appeal against his conviction and S$14,000 fine for lying to a parliamentary Committee of Privileges over his handling of the Raeesah Khan incident.
Background of the Case
The case traces back to August 2021, when then-MP Raeesah Khan falsely claimed in Parliament that she had accompanied a rape victim to a police station where officers behaved insensitively.
When questioned, she repeated the lie, only retracting it months later in November 2021. The Committee of Privileges (COP) subsequently found inconsistencies in testimonies from WP leaders including Singh and Faisal Manap, and referred Singh for criminal investigation.
Trial and Testimonies
Singh was charged in March 2024 and pleaded not guilty. His trial began in October 2024, defended by Andre Jumabhoy and Aristotle Eng, while the prosecution was led by Deputy Attorney-General Ang Cheng Hock, who has since been elevated to the Court of Appeal.
Witnesses included Raeesah Khan, her aides Loh Pei Ying and Yudhishthra Nathan, and former WP chief Low Thia Khiang.
Prosecutors alleged that Singh encouraged Khan to persist with her lie. Khan testified she felt “betrayed” by party leaders, while Singh maintained he had only shown compassion when told of her personal trauma.
The court also heard colorful exchanges — including Ms Loh’s viral “lao hong biscuit” remark describing Khan — and testimony from Mr Nathan, who admitted suggesting Khan continue lying due to poor internal coordination.
Judge’s Findings and Sentence
Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan found Singh guilty of two counts of wilfully giving false evidence. The judge ruled that Singh had failed to guide Khan to clarify her false statement and showed “no desire” to correct the record.
The court imposed two maximum fines of S$7,000 each instead of jail, noting there was “no appreciable harm” to Khan. The defence’s attempt to introduce hearsay statements from Sylvia Lim and Faisal Manap was rejected.
Outside court, Singh said he was “disappointed” but would appeal both conviction and sentence, remarking that it was time for him “to step up, not step down.”
Aftermath and Political Impact
Despite the conviction, Singh was re-elected as MP for Aljunied GRC in the May 2025 General Election, where the WP retained Aljunied, Sengkang, and Hougang with strong voter support.
His upcoming appeal hearing on Nov 4 will determine whether the conviction — under the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act — stands. Each charge carries up to three years’ jail or a S$7,000 fine.
Source: Channel NewsAsia (CNA) — Article by Lydia Lam, published Nov 3 2025.
Public Voices: Singaporeans React to Pritam Singh’s Appeal
As Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh heads to court on Nov 4 to appeal his conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee, social media has erupted with a wide range of views — reflecting how closely Singaporeans are following this political moment.
Here are some of the most notable comments circulating online 👇
💬 Thomas Kiang: “If he not careful his MP position might remove. This will cause the downside of WP.”
💬 Tan Hou: “In the world, politics are never clean. Power struggles n controversies.”
💬 Javier Loke: “Luckily Singapore isn’t like Russia or elsewhere where people are often at the end of a gun barrel.”
💬 Devaraj Simon: “The people of Aljunied GRC have spoken clearly — Mr. Singh won. What is unfolding now feels less like justice and more like political persecution. Let us hope that truth prevails, and that Mr. Singh succeeds in his appeal.”
💬 Victor Lee: “Rule of law is King. In other countries, Rule of law can be turned and twisted but not here. Don’t drag the matters. Settle the case and let the saga close.”
💬 Eugene Lim: “How about all the Chen Zhi associates present in the PAP grassroots? Please investigate if we really have integrity.”
💬 梁来: “Guilty in the eye of law, guilty in the eye of power?”
The tone of the discussion shows a nation divided between trust in the legal process and concern over political fairness. Many call for due process and closure; others see this as a defining test of Singapore’s democracy and political accountability.
One thing is certain — the outcome of this appeal will shape not only Pritam Singh’s political career, but also public confidence in how justice and politics intersect in Singapore.
What are your thoughts?
Should Singapore move on once the courts decide, or does this case reflect something deeper about our political system?
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