SINGAPORE: An official from the People’s Association (PA) has come under scrutiny after allegedly posting a pointed and partisan comment in response to a Straits Times article profiling Workers’ Party (WP) candidate Harpreet Singh Nehal.
The Straits Times had described Singh as a “star catch” for the opposition, spotlighting his legal credentials—including his status as a senior counsel—and his rising presence in Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC.
Speculation is mounting over whether he will contest in this constituency, East Coast GRC, or as a single-seat candidate in the upcoming general election.
In a recent interview, Singh made clear he does not seek an easy path into Parliament.
“I don’t want to be parachuted anywhere safe. That is not who I am,” he said, vowing to “fight tooth and nail” to earn his mandate.
He also emphasised that Singaporeans want leaders who are willing to take risks and fight for every vote.
Singh, a Harvard-trained lawyer and managing partner at Audent Chambers, joined the WP in 2023 after two years of volunteering.
Citing concerns about the country’s direction, he highlighted the 2016 changes to the elected presidency and sweeping legislation like POFMA and FICA as reasons for stepping into politics.
“These are all indicators that the system is clamping down at a time when it should be opening up,” he said.
He also called for stronger institutions—including a fully independent People’s Association.
While the Government maintains that the PA is not politicised, Singh expressed a contrary view.
Despite previously representing the Government in high-profile cases against opposition figures such as Chee Soon Juan and the late J.B. Jeyaretnam, he pledged full dedication to his constituents if elected.
Responding to speculation about internal rivalry within the WP, Singh brushed it off and expressed full confidence in party leader Pritam Singh.
“There is only one tiger,” he said. “In my heart, there is absolutely no question that Pritam is the right leader for the Workers’ Party. And long may that continue.”
Mixed Public Reactions
Under The Straits Time‘s Facebook post, public responses to Singh’s profile were varied. Some netizens expressed excitement and hoped he might contest in their constituency.
A comment from the Most Valuable Party, a political group, read, “We wish you all the best,” noting that if Singh comes to East Coast, they will be facing each other.
Others, however, were more sceptical about his readiness to lead.
“I’ve seen stronger leadership from those on the ground and am not fully convinced he’s prepared to take on the responsibility yet,” one user said.
Some comments criticised the WP’s perceived use of the “star catch” playbook—deploying high-profile candidates with stellar credentials in hopes of swaying voters despite limited grassroots experience.
One user argued that if Singh truly opposed being parachuted into a safe seat, he would need to prove he’s more than just a “trophy candidate.”
One user alleged that those who know Singh personally would recognise “his lack of integrity and money-driven motives,” adding it was no surprise he joined what they called a “liars’ party.”
Another user replied, suggesting he benefited from the meritocratic system but is now ungrateful.
There were also doubts raised about his continued support for WP chief Pritam Singh, following the latter’s conviction for giving false testimony to the Committee of Privileges in 2021.
These users questioned Singh’s judgment and integrity for standing by the party leader.
Alleged Comment by PA’s Head of Communications
Amid the critical responses, one particularly pointed comment stood out—allegedly posted by an official from the People’s Association (PA).
Using the handle Nick Pietro Lim, the user wrote, “A senior legal counsel who has no problem lying in Parliament, recruiting others to carry the lie, and leaving them to dry afterwards.”
Publicly available information on LinkedIn indicates that Lim currently holds the position of Head of Communications at the People’s Association.
An Instagram post of him also shows him wearing a PA polo-t-shirt, posing with Desmond Tan from the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP).
On the local forum HardwareZone, one user questioned whether it was appropriate for a PA official to make such a politically charged remark, particularly in light of a 2016 statement by Chan Chun Sing, who asserted that the People’s Association is not politicised.
“The People’s Association does not allow any political activity or canvassing on our premises or in our activities, and we certainly do not mobilise anyone for any political party,” Chan had stated.
Many forum users expressed scepticism about the PA’s claim to political neutrality.
One commenter argued that the PA is effectively under PAP control, saying, “It’s an open secret, but they keep insisting that they do not serve the ruling party and remain impartial, regardless of which party holds the incumbent position in the ward.”
Others were more critical, accusing some grassroots leaders of being driven by personal ambition and displaying excessive loyalty to the ruling party in hopes of political advancement or personal gain.
Several users also questioned the professionalism of the official involved, describing the remark as inappropriate and unbecoming of someone in a senior public-facing role.
The Online Citizen has contacted the People’s Association for comment on Lim’s employment with the organisation and his remarks, if he is indeed the head of communications. Lim has since set his Facebook profile to private.
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