The Workers' Party has declined to nominate another MP to be Leader of the Opposition after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong removed Pritam Singh following a conviction for lying. The party says the role should belong to the leader of the largest opposition party and ideally be defined by law, as in other Westminster systems. The post — not enshrined in Singapore's constitution — includes staff support, an allowance and access to confidential government briefings in emergencies.
Workers' Party Refuses To Nominate Replacement After Pritam Singh Removed As Leader Of The Opposition
FILE PHOTO: Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh leaves the Supreme Court after his appeal was dismissed in Singapore December 4, 2025. REUTERS/Suhaimi Abdullah/File Photo
The Workers' Party said on Wednesday it will not nominate another of its Members of Parliament to take on the role of Leader of the Opposition, after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong removed party secretary-general Pritam Singh from the post.
The party's press statement argued that, in practice and principle, the Leader of the Opposition should be the leader of the largest opposition party in Parliament. The statement added that this convention best preserves the authority of voters and mirrors established practice in other Westminster-style systems.
"In other Westminster systems, the title of the Leader of the Opposition is established by law and is not the prerogative or choice of the Government of the day or the Prime Minister. This approach expresses the authority and sanctity of the people’s vote."
Last week, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong removed Pritam Singh from the post, saying Singh's position had become untenable following a conviction for lying. Wong asked the Workers' Party — which holds 10 of Parliament's 97 seats — to nominate another lawmaker to fill the role.
Under Singapore practice, the Leader of the Opposition is designated by the head of government; the role is not explicitly provided for in the constitution or the standing orders of Parliament. The position carries specific privileges and responsibilities, including dedicated staff support, an additional allowance and access to confidential government briefings, particularly during a national crisis or emergency.
The Workers' Party reiterated its stance that the post should be established by law rather than left to the discretion of the government, saying this would better reflect democratic norms and the will of the electorate.
(Reporting by Jun Yuan Yong and Xinghui Kok; Editing by David Stanway)
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