Singapore PM Removes Opposition Leader After Conviction for Lying

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has removed Pritam Singh from his official role as Leader of the Opposition. This follows Singh’s recent conviction for lying under oath to a parliamentary committee. Singh, who leads the Workers’ Party, was the first person to hold the formal title. He was appointed in 2020 after his party won a record 10 elected parliamentary seats. The role came with additional resources, including staff. The conviction stems from a committee investigation into a former Workers’ Party lawmaker. Singh was found guilty of two charges of lying under oath. He has stated he will appeal the verdict. The Prime Minister’s office confirmed the removal. It stated that Singh will now be treated as an ordinary opposition member of parliament. Singh will also receive a standard MP’s salary instead of the higher allowance for the opposition leader role. The formal title of Leader of the Opposition remains vacant.