The Workers’ Party Disciplinary Panel: An Examination of the Investigation into Pritam Singh’s Conviction
Abstract
This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the Workers’ Party (WP) disciplinary panel’s investigation into party chief Pritam Singh’s conviction for lying to Parliament’s Committee of Privileges. The panel, comprising He Ting Ru, Jamus Lim, and Png Eng Huat, has invited all party members to provide their views on the matter, marking a departure from the party’s previous disciplinary processes. This paper examines the context of the investigation, the panel’s composition, and the implications of the party’s decision to solicit views from all members.
Introduction
The Workers’ Party, one of the largest opposition parties in Singapore, has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding the conviction of its chief, Pritam Singh, for lying to Parliament’s Committee of Privileges. The High Court’s decision to uphold Singh’s conviction in December 2025 has led to the formation of a disciplinary panel to investigate possible breaches of the party’s constitution. This paper seeks to provide an academic examination of the investigation, with a focus on the panel’s composition, the party’s decision to invite all members to provide their views, and the implications of this process.
Background
Pritam Singh, the leader of the Workers’ Party, was found guilty in February 2025 of lying to Parliament’s Committee of Privileges regarding his role in guiding former MP Raeesah Khan to maintain a lie she told in Parliament in August 2021. The High Court’s decision to uphold Singh’s conviction has sparked a debate within the party regarding his continued leadership and potential breaches of the party’s constitution.
The Disciplinary Panel
The Workers’ Party’s central executive committee (CEC), the party’s highest decision-making body, formed a disciplinary panel to investigate Singh’s conviction and potential breaches of the party’s constitution. The panel, comprising Sengkang GRC MPs He Ting Ru and Jamus Lim, and former Hougang MP Png Eng Huat, was tasked with completing its work within three months. The panel’s composition is notable, as it includes experienced party members with a deep understanding of the party’s constitution and values.
The Invitation to Party Members
In a departure from the party’s previous disciplinary processes, the panel has invited all party members to provide their views on the investigation. This move marks a significant shift towards transparency and inclusivity, as it allows all members to contribute to the decision-making process. The invitation is understood to be open to all members, regardless of their position within the party or their level of involvement in party activities.
Implications
The Workers’ Party’s decision to invite all members to provide their views on the investigation has significant implications for the party’s internal dynamics and decision-making processes. By soliciting views from all members, the party is demonstrating a commitment to transparency and inclusivity, which may help to build trust and confidence among members. However, this approach also risks creating divisions within the party, as members may hold differing opinions on Singh’s conviction and the party’s response to it.
Conclusion
The Workers’ Party disciplinary panel’s investigation into Pritam Singh’s conviction is a significant development in the party’s history. The panel’s composition, the party’s decision to invite all members to provide their views, and the implications of this process all contribute to a complex and nuanced examination of the party’s internal dynamics and decision-making processes. As the investigation continues, it is essential to consider the potential outcomes and their impact on the party’s future direction and leadership.
Recommendations
Based on this analysis, several recommendations can be made:
Transparency: The Workers’ Party should maintain transparency throughout the investigation process, providing regular updates to members and the public on the panel’s progress and findings.
Inclusivity: The party should continue to solicit views from all members, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process.
Internal Reflection: The party should use this opportunity to reflect on its internal dynamics and decision-making processes, identifying areas for improvement and implementing reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
By adopting these recommendations, the Workers’ Party can demonstrate its commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, ultimately strengthening its internal dynamics and decision-making processes.
References
“WP disciplinary panel invites party members to give views on Pritam Singh’s conviction.” The Straits Times, 4 Feb 2026.
“Pritam Singh found guilty of lying to Parliament’s Committee of Privileges.” The Straits Times, 2025.
“High Court upholds Pritam Singh’s conviction for lying to Parliament’s Committee of Privileges.” The Straits Times, 2025.