Singaporean premier removes opposition leader over lying under oath

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) — Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday removed Pritam Singh from his post as Leader of the Opposition following his criminal convictions for lying under oath.

Singh’s “criminal convictions, taken together with Parliament’s considered view of his unsuitability, make it no longer tenable for him to continue as the Leader of the Opposition,” Wong said in a statement, adding that the designation was revoked with immediate effect.

“This decision is necessary to uphold the rule of law, as well as the dignity and integrity of Parliament,” he said.

Singh was convicted on two counts of lying to Parliament’s Committee of Privileges, and his appeal to the High Court was dismissed, according to the statement.

On Wednesday, Singaporean lawmakers backed a motion urging members of Parliament to express regret over Singh’s conduct, which was described as “dishonorable and unbecoming of an MP.”

Singh said he accepted the court’s judgment but disagreed with its findings and maintained his innocence.

Wong said he has invited the Workers’ Party to nominate a replacement for the role, adding that any nominee should not have been implicated in the earlier findings of the Committee of Privileges.

The position of Leader of the Opposition is not provided for in Singapore’s constitution or Parliament’s standing orders, but is designated by the prime minister. The role was created in 2020.