SINGAPORE: Netizens have strongly opposed calls by political analysts for the Workers’ Party (WP) to quickly nominate a new Leader of the Opposition (LO), arguing that Pritam Singh’s legitimacy comes from the electorate rather than a title conferred by the ruling party. Some suggested WP could delay the decision or even reject the LO role entirely.
Commentators emphasised that WP MPs can continue defending Singaporeans’ rights and raising pressing ground issues without holding the LO designation.
They urged the party to focus on holding the government accountable and addressing issues such as cost of living, wages, and transport affordability.
Much of the online backlash followed commentaries and analyst interviews published by Channel NewsAsia (CNA), after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on 15 January 2026 that Pritam Singh had been removed as Leader of the Opposition.
Singh’s removal came after his conviction for lying to the Committee of Privileges (COP), a ruling upheld by the High Court.
Former NMP defends motion as upholding institutional integrity
Former NMP Associate Professor Eugene Tan defended the parliamentary motion against Singh, describing it as necessary to uphold ethical standards and the rule of law.
In a CNA commentary, he said elected officials must abide by legal and ethical norms, as exceptions could erode public trust in institutions.
Tan argued that values such as honesty and integrity are essential for good governance, and the debate over Singh was part of safeguarding confidence in Singapore’s political system.
He framed the motion not as a political attack, but as an institutional safeguard.
Analysts urge WP to accept LO role despite leadership change
Separately, CNA reported that political analysts recommended WP accept the Prime Minister’s invitation to nominate a new LO, citing the benefits of the role, including access to resources, briefings, and parliamentary visibility.
Analysts also noted that the LO need not be the party’s secretary-general, allowing WP to nominate another senior MP.
Potential successors suggested included Gerald Giam, Dennis Tan, He Ting Ru, and Jamus Lim, who were identified for their experience and parliamentary standing.
Associate Professor Tan Ern Ser commented that declining to nominate could signal WP still regards Singh as its leader and implicitly considers him “innocent.”
Independent analyst Dr Felix Tan noted that leaving the post vacant could appear partisan, though it would also forgo the advantages the LO office provides.
Dr Mustafa Izzuddin proposed that WP could first resolve internal party accountability before nominating a new LO, leaving the role temporarily unfilled.
NUS Assoc Prof Chong argued WP MPs will still perform in the House without LO
NUS Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian countered that Parliament will continue to function effectively even without a Leader of the Opposition, as MPs can still speak, vote, and perform their duties.
“Remember, the Singapore parliament did not have a Leader of the Opposition until very recently and it continued to debate and pass laws,” he said.
Online reactions, however, largely rejected the importance of the LO title in defining Singh’s leadership.
Online support frames Singh as a ‘people’s leader’
Many argued that removing the title does not erase his legitimacy, with some describing him as a “people’s leader” whose symbolic stature may have even increased.
Some comments seen on CNA’s Facebook pages stressed that opposition effectiveness depends more on public support and parliamentary performance than on formal labels.
Some netizens highlighted perceived double standards, pointing out that opposition figures face intense scrutiny while ruling party figures often escape similar consequences.
Many interpreted Singh’s removal as political manoeuvring to weaken the opposition ahead of future elections, rather than a principled defence of parliamentary integrity.
Criticism also extended to the commentators themselves.
Netizens questioned the neutrality of scholars and state-aligned media, suggesting that the speed and tone of the coverage seemed intended to justify, rather than objectively analyse, Singh’s removal.
Public frustration over political ‘theatre’
There was visible frustration over what some described as political “theatre,” arguing that procedural debates and symbolic gestures overshadowed pressing issues such as housing, transport, and jobs.
Many felt the episode deepened political polarisation rather than reinforcing trust in institutions.
Some commenters argued that the LO role itself is unnecessary, claiming that WP MPs can continue scrutinising government policies without state-sanctioned recognition.
Calls to prioritise voter mandate over formal recognition
One post stated that Singaporeans elected WP to perform parliamentary duties, and that party leadership decisions should reflect voter mandate rather than procedural titles.
WP recently held an internal meeting, passing a resolution to conduct a Committee of Inquiry (COI) into the episode, expected to conclude within three months.
Some netizens suggested that WP should await the COI’s findings before deciding on the LO role, and that if Pritam Singh is cleared of internal accountability, the party should reject the PM’s invitation and maintain him as its leader until the next general election.
Others warned that hastily appointing a new LO could be a political trap, designed to undermine the opposition and allow the ruling party to maintain control.
Supporters acknowledged that the LO role provides access to sensitive information, which could strengthen WP policy-making, but stressed that the decision should be strategic rather than reactive.
Criticism was also directed at the legitimacy of NMPs and political analysts commenting on Singh.
Observers noted that Pritam Singh had won Aljunied GRC with 50–60% of the votes across four general elections, while commentators had no electoral mandate.
Many questioned the authority of unelected analysts to direct WP’s internal decisions, arguing that accountability should rest with the voters, not external advisors.
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