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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pritam Singh says he's not aiming to be Singapore's next prime minister; GE2025: PAP spent $9.4m, opposition spent $3.6m: Singapore live news
Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh may be a formidable opposition leader, but his sights aren't set on becoming Singapore's next prime minister. In an episode of popular Malaysian political podcast Keluar Sekejap that was uploaded to YouTube on Tuesday (24 June), Singh said his role was to "normalise the idea of an opposition". He said, "I have to have a good finger on the pulse of Singaporeans, I've got to understand what they want. And I've got to understand how they respond to language which reflects ambition." Candidates in Singapore's 2025 General Election collectively spent slightly over $13 million in their bid to win over voters, with nearly half of that amount going towards traditional advertising such as posters and banners. Online ads accounted for about 16 per cent of total spending, while political parties also collectively spent $1.7 million on physical rallies – which were brought back after being suspended during the 2020 election due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh may be a formidable opposition leader, but his sights aren't set on becoming Singapore's next prime minister. In an episode of popular Malaysian political podcast Keluar Sekejap that was uploaded to YouTube on Tuesday (24 June), Singh said his role was to "normalise the idea of an opposition". The podcast is hosted by former Malaysian health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan, previously UMNO's information chief. Khairy referenced a previous conversation he had with Singh where he had expressed the same sentiment that he didn't see himself as an "alternative prime minister", and questioned if there was a "lack of ambition". "I have to have a good finger on the pulse of Singaporeans, I've got to understand what they want. And I've got to understand how they respond to language which reflects ambition,' replied Singh. "If that language is not in sync with their broad understanding of what they want out of politics in Singapore, then ambition can be a death knell for any politician in Singapore." Singh in 2019 established that the party's medium-term objective was to contest and win one-third of the seats in parliament. He added, "If we accept that Singaporeans are pragmatic, and that there's no demand for a change of government, then going out there flying a flag which says 'I am your prime minister in waiting' is probably, with respect, an act of foolishness." For more on Pritam Singh's interview, read here. Candidates in Singapore's 2025 General Election collectively spent slightly over $13 million in their bid to win over voters, with nearly half of that amount going towards traditional advertising such as posters and banners. Online ads accounted for about 16 per cent of total spending, while political parties also collectively spent $1.7 million on physical rallies – which were brought back after being suspended during the 2020 election due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to figures released by the Elections Department (ELD) on Thursday (27 June), overall election spending rose by about 42 per cent compared with the $9.2 million spent in 2020. The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) spent the most at $9.4 million. In contrast, the combined expenditure by 10 opposition parties and two independents came up to around $3.6 million. Among the opposition, the Workers' Party topped the list with $1.6 million spent across its 26 candidates. For more on the GE2025 expenditure, read here. A kitten that was allegedly stuffed into a plastic container and rolled around at a Tuas canteen has since been adopted, said the National Parks Board (NParks) in an update on Thursday (27 June). The case, which sparked outrage after being flagged by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), is currently under investigation by NParks. According to the SPCA, the kitten had been placed inside a plastic container, and rolled around repeatedly. The incident occurred at a workers' canteen at Tech Park Crescent in Tuas on 26 March, between 9.45pm and 10.30pm. In their updated statement, NParks said they are "investigating the incident thoroughly, and appropriate action will be taken if any wrongdoing is established". NParks' group director for enforcement and investigation Jessica Kwok said, "We have visited the premises and are in contact with the relevant persons. We were informed that the cat has since been adopted, and we will be checking on its well-being." A Los Angeles home, said to belong to Brad Pitt, was reportedly broken into late Wednesday night (26 June), with the police confirming that three suspects entered the property through a front window and "ransacked the location". While the Los Angeles Police Department did not confirm that the house belonged to Pitt, US media noted that the address matches a residence the Oscar-winning actor purchased in 2023. Pitt was not home at the time of the break-in as he was in London for the premiere of his upcoming Formula 1 movie. Police said the suspects made off with stolen items, though the exact nature and value of the missing property remain unclear. The burglary occurred at around 10.30pm local time in the Los Feliz area. The property sits just outside Griffith Park – home to the iconic Hollywood Sign. Pitt's house, a spacious three-bedroom property, is said to be surrounded by high fences and dense greenery, offering privacy from the public eye. For more on the break-in of Brad Pitt's house, read here. NEW: Overweight man wearing a Garfield shirt gets dragged off a plane after demanding he get an emergency exit seat due to his definition of a man-child right here. The man was reportedly from the UK and threw a tantrum on his flight departing from Bangkok when… — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 26, 2025 A passenger was forcibly dragged off a Thai Lion Air flight departing Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok on Wednesday (25 July) after allegedly throwing a tantrum. The man reportedly became upset after his request for a different seat from the one he was assigned was denied by flight attendants. "At first, I thought we couldn't take off because the man had fallen ill. It turned out he just thought the economy seat was too crowded and insisted on moving to the emergency exit. The flight attendants had to call the police because he refused to cooperate," said one man who recorded video footage, according to Viral Press. The flight crew's denial of his request allegedly resulted in an outburst, which lasted nearly an hour. Authorities boarded the Boeing 737 to remove him, and had to drag him out after he refused. Labour chief, and Jalan Kayu Member of Parliament (MP), Ng Chee Meng took to Facebook on Thursday (26 June) to praise a resident for taking the initiative to sweep the common corridor of the floor he is staying on. On his post, NG wrote, "Met Mr Wei during a recent visit to Fernvale Court. He was busy sweeping the common corridor along his whole floor. When I asked him if the area needs better cleaning, he smiled and just said he's just doing his part to keep the common areas clean. Two thumbs up." The majority of the comments were positive, with netizens expressing their support for the resident while some praised Ng for walking the grounds in his constituency. A portion of netizens, though, questioned the need for the resident to sweep the common corridor, casting doubt on the efforts of the cleaners. Ng has had a rocky return to politics, with his campaign in the 2025 General Elections overshadowed by the Income-Allianz deal that caused much public uproar. He won the Jalan Kayu SMC by a narrow margin over Workers' Party candidate Andre Low, garnering 51.47% of the votes. Japan on Friday carried out its first execution in nearly three years, hanging Takahiro Shiraishi – infamously known as the "Twitter killer" – for the brutal murders of nine people in 2017. Shiraishi, 33, had lured his victims, eight women and one man, through social media before strangling and dismembering them in his apartment in Zama city in Kanagawa near Tokyo. Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki, who authorised the execution, said the crimes were driven by "extremely selfish" motives and has "caused great shock and unrest to society". Shiraishi's hanging marks the first under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's administration, which came to power in October 2024. The execution is also the first since July 2022, when Japan executed another man involved in the 2008 Akihabara stabbing rampage. For more on Japan's capital punishment, read here. Fashion magnate Anna Wintour is stepping down as Vogue's editor-in-chief after 37 years. It was reported that Wintour, 75, announced the news in a staff meeting on the morning of Thursday (26 June). Vogue is set to appoint a new head of editorial content, who will report directly to Wintour. While stepping back from day-to-day editorial duties at the iconic fashion magazine, Wintour isn't going anywhere – she will remain as Condé Nast's global chief content officer, and continue her role as global editorial director at Vogue, overseeing every brand, like Vanity Fair, GQ, and AD, across all markets. "Anybody in a creative field knows how essential it is never to stop growing in one's work. When I became the editor of Vogue, I was eager to prove to all who might listen that there was a new, exciting way to imagine an American fashion magazine," Wintour told Vogue staff in a meeting on Thursday. She continued: "Now, I find that my greatest pleasure is helping the next generation of impassioned editors storm the field with their own ideas, supported by a new, exciting view of what a major media company can be. And that is exactly the kind of person we need to now look for to be HOEC for US Vogue." Wintour also explained that many of her responsibilities at Vogue would remain the same, 'including paying very close attention to the fashion industry and to the creative cultural force that is our extraordinary Met Ball, and charting the course of future Vogue Worlds". For more on Anna Wintour stepping away as Vogue's editor-in-chief, read here. A couple and their two sons behind a family-run construction firm were charged on 26 June for allegedly giving over $56,000 in bribes to property and condominium managers to advance their business interests. Ong Chin Kee, 66, and his wife Lea Lam Moy, also 66, both directors of OCL Building Services, were charged alongside their sons – project director Jovi Ong Teng Hong, 36, and general manager Jordan Ong Wei How, 30. Each family member faces 17 corruption charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, said the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB). The alleged offences took place between 2018 and 2022 and involved $56,260 to secure advantages for OCL, a company primarily dealing in building construction and upgrading works. Its secondary business activity is listed as painting and decorating. CPIB also revealed that Ong Chin Kee is facing an additional four charges for allegedly obstructing justice. Between June and November 2023, he is said to have instigated individuals to alter their statements to CPIB. He also tipped off two others about the CPIB's investigation into both the family and the company. Meanwhile, five individuals who allegedly received the bribes were also charged on the same day. For more on the Singapore construction family bribery, read here. Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh may be a formidable opposition leader, but his sights aren't set on becoming Singapore's next prime minister. In an episode of popular Malaysian political podcast Keluar Sekejap that was uploaded to YouTube on Tuesday (24 June), Singh said his role was to "normalise the idea of an opposition". The podcast is hosted by former Malaysian health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan, previously UMNO's information chief. Khairy referenced a previous conversation he had with Singh where he had expressed the same sentiment that he didn't see himself as an "alternative prime minister", and questioned if there was a "lack of ambition". "I have to have a good finger on the pulse of Singaporeans, I've got to understand what they want. And I've got to understand how they respond to language which reflects ambition,' replied Singh. "If that language is not in sync with their broad understanding of what they want out of politics in Singapore, then ambition can be a death knell for any politician in Singapore." Singh in 2019 established that the party's medium-term objective was to contest and win one-third of the seats in parliament. He added, "If we accept that Singaporeans are pragmatic, and that there's no demand for a change of government, then going out there flying a flag which says 'I am your prime minister in waiting' is probably, with respect, an act of foolishness." For more on Pritam Singh's interview, read here. Candidates in Singapore's 2025 General Election collectively spent slightly over $13 million in their bid to win over voters, with nearly half of that amount going towards traditional advertising such as posters and banners. Online ads accounted for about 16 per cent of total spending, while political parties also collectively spent $1.7 million on physical rallies – which were brought back after being suspended during the 2020 election due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to figures released by the Elections Department (ELD) on Thursday (27 June), overall election spending rose by about 42 per cent compared with the $9.2 million spent in 2020. The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) spent the most at $9.4 million. In contrast, the combined expenditure by 10 opposition parties and two independents came up to around $3.6 million. Among the opposition, the Workers' Party topped the list with $1.6 million spent across its 26 candidates. For more on the GE2025 expenditure, read here. A kitten that was allegedly stuffed into a plastic container and rolled around at a Tuas canteen has since been adopted, said the National Parks Board (NParks) in an update on Thursday (27 June). The case, which sparked outrage after being flagged by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), is currently under investigation by NParks. According to the SPCA, the kitten had been placed inside a plastic container, and rolled around repeatedly. The incident occurred at a workers' canteen at Tech Park Crescent in Tuas on 26 March, between 9.45pm and 10.30pm. In their updated statement, NParks said they are "investigating the incident thoroughly, and appropriate action will be taken if any wrongdoing is established". NParks' group director for enforcement and investigation Jessica Kwok said, "We have visited the premises and are in contact with the relevant persons. We were informed that the cat has since been adopted, and we will be checking on its well-being." A Los Angeles home, said to belong to Brad Pitt, was reportedly broken into late Wednesday night (26 June), with the police confirming that three suspects entered the property through a front window and "ransacked the location". While the Los Angeles Police Department did not confirm that the house belonged to Pitt, US media noted that the address matches a residence the Oscar-winning actor purchased in 2023. Pitt was not home at the time of the break-in as he was in London for the premiere of his upcoming Formula 1 movie. Police said the suspects made off with stolen items, though the exact nature and value of the missing property remain unclear. The burglary occurred at around 10.30pm local time in the Los Feliz area. The property sits just outside Griffith Park – home to the iconic Hollywood Sign. Pitt's house, a spacious three-bedroom property, is said to be surrounded by high fences and dense greenery, offering privacy from the public eye. For more on the break-in of Brad Pitt's house, read here. NEW: Overweight man wearing a Garfield shirt gets dragged off a plane after demanding he get an emergency exit seat due to his definition of a man-child right here. The man was reportedly from the UK and threw a tantrum on his flight departing from Bangkok when… — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 26, 2025 A passenger was forcibly dragged off a Thai Lion Air flight departing Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok on Wednesday (25 July) after allegedly throwing a tantrum. The man reportedly became upset after his request for a different seat from the one he was assigned was denied by flight attendants. "At first, I thought we couldn't take off because the man had fallen ill. It turned out he just thought the economy seat was too crowded and insisted on moving to the emergency exit. The flight attendants had to call the police because he refused to cooperate," said one man who recorded video footage, according to Viral Press. The flight crew's denial of his request allegedly resulted in an outburst, which lasted nearly an hour. Authorities boarded the Boeing 737 to remove him, and had to drag him out after he refused. Labour chief, and Jalan Kayu Member of Parliament (MP), Ng Chee Meng took to Facebook on Thursday (26 June) to praise a resident for taking the initiative to sweep the common corridor of the floor he is staying on. On his post, NG wrote, "Met Mr Wei during a recent visit to Fernvale Court. He was busy sweeping the common corridor along his whole floor. When I asked him if the area needs better cleaning, he smiled and just said he's just doing his part to keep the common areas clean. Two thumbs up." The majority of the comments were positive, with netizens expressing their support for the resident while some praised Ng for walking the grounds in his constituency. A portion of netizens, though, questioned the need for the resident to sweep the common corridor, casting doubt on the efforts of the cleaners. Ng has had a rocky return to politics, with his campaign in the 2025 General Elections overshadowed by the Income-Allianz deal that caused much public uproar. He won the Jalan Kayu SMC by a narrow margin over Workers' Party candidate Andre Low, garnering 51.47% of the votes. Japan on Friday carried out its first execution in nearly three years, hanging Takahiro Shiraishi – infamously known as the "Twitter killer" – for the brutal murders of nine people in 2017. Shiraishi, 33, had lured his victims, eight women and one man, through social media before strangling and dismembering them in his apartment in Zama city in Kanagawa near Tokyo. Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki, who authorised the execution, said the crimes were driven by "extremely selfish" motives and has "caused great shock and unrest to society". Shiraishi's hanging marks the first under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's administration, which came to power in October 2024. The execution is also the first since July 2022, when Japan executed another man involved in the 2008 Akihabara stabbing rampage. For more on Japan's capital punishment, read here. Fashion magnate Anna Wintour is stepping down as Vogue's editor-in-chief after 37 years. It was reported that Wintour, 75, announced the news in a staff meeting on the morning of Thursday (26 June). Vogue is set to appoint a new head of editorial content, who will report directly to Wintour. While stepping back from day-to-day editorial duties at the iconic fashion magazine, Wintour isn't going anywhere – she will remain as Condé Nast's global chief content officer, and continue her role as global editorial director at Vogue, overseeing every brand, like Vanity Fair, GQ, and AD, across all markets. "Anybody in a creative field knows how essential it is never to stop growing in one's work. When I became the editor of Vogue, I was eager to prove to all who might listen that there was a new, exciting way to imagine an American fashion magazine," Wintour told Vogue staff in a meeting on Thursday. She continued: "Now, I find that my greatest pleasure is helping the next generation of impassioned editors storm the field with their own ideas, supported by a new, exciting view of what a major media company can be. And that is exactly the kind of person we need to now look for to be HOEC for US Vogue." Wintour also explained that many of her responsibilities at Vogue would remain the same, 'including paying very close attention to the fashion industry and to the creative cultural force that is our extraordinary Met Ball, and charting the course of future Vogue Worlds". For more on Anna Wintour stepping away as Vogue's editor-in-chief, read here. A couple and their two sons behind a family-run construction firm were charged on 26 June for allegedly giving over $56,000 in bribes to property and condominium managers to advance their business interests. Ong Chin Kee, 66, and his wife Lea Lam Moy, also 66, both directors of OCL Building Services, were charged alongside their sons – project director Jovi Ong Teng Hong, 36, and general manager Jordan Ong Wei How, 30. Each family member faces 17 corruption charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, said the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB). The alleged offences took place between 2018 and 2022 and involved $56,260 to secure advantages for OCL, a company primarily dealing in building construction and upgrading works. Its secondary business activity is listed as painting and decorating. CPIB also revealed that Ong Chin Kee is facing an additional four charges for allegedly obstructing justice. Between June and November 2023, he is said to have instigated individuals to alter their statements to CPIB. He also tipped off two others about the CPIB's investigation into both the family and the company. Meanwhile, five individuals who allegedly received the bribes were also charged on the same day. For more on the Singapore construction family bribery, read here.
AsiaOne
3 days ago
- Politics
- AsiaOne
WP wants to be 'insurance' for Singapore should PAP suffer 'major malfunction': Pritam in Malaysian podcast, Singapore News
SINGAPORE — The Workers' Party wants to get to a position where it is ready to step in and govern, should the ruling PAP suffer a "major malfunction", said Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh. "You want to be in a position where you can say: 'Look, we're ready because we've got these years of experience under our belt,'" he added. This would be a "great insurance for Singapore", said Singh, who has been party chief since 2018. "I'm not saying me and my colleagues today will be in that position, but we certainly want to put the party in that position," he added. Singh, who was making his first podcast appearance, was responding to a question by former Malaysian health minister Khairy Jamaluddin on whether he could see a Singapore without the PAP at the helm. Khairy and former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan are hosts of popular Malaysian political podcast Keluar Sekejap, which translates to "out for a moment". [embed] In an almost two hour-long session uploaded to YouTube on June 24, Singh also said he would not want to be prime minister of Singapore. "I think my role is to normalise the idea of an opposition in Singapore," he said. He hopes to bring more like-minded people on board to achieve a "functioning and effective" parliamentary democracy. His comments — filmed during a family holiday to Malaysia — come about two months after the 2025 General Election held on May 3. In that outing, the WP held on to its 10 seats in Aljunied, Hougang and Sengkang. It also picked up two Non-Constituency MP seats for its Jalan Kayu and Tampines GRC candidates, following close fights in those constituencies. They form the WP's largest contingent in Parliament, after the party fielded 26 candidates in eight constituencies out of the 97 seats and 33 constituencies available. The podcast covered a wide range of topics, including Mr Singh's background and motivation to join politics, the party's strategy at the recent election, and its role in Singapore's political landscape. Throughout the podcast, Singh reiterated his view of WP's role as a check and balance to the ruling party, given the appetite of Singapore voters today. This came through in his response to comments referenced by Khairy, that suggested Singh's strategy in the general election showed a "lack of ambition" — for instance, by not contesting outside the "bunker" of Aljunied GRC where he has been since 2011. Khairy also asked if the party should pivot away from Singh's medium-term goal, set in 2019, of contesting and winning one-third of the seats in Parliament. The one-third goal is tied to Singapore's laws, which state that constitutional amendments require two-thirds majority support in the House. Singh said he has to understand what Singaporeans want and how they respond to language which reflects ambition. "I have to have a good finger on the pulse of Singaporeans... If that language is not in sync with their broad understanding of what they want out of politics in Singapore, then ambition can be a death knell for any politician in Singapore," he said. "If we accept that Singaporeans are pragmatic and there's no demand for a change of government, then going out there, flying a flag which says 'I'm your Prime Minister-in-waiting' is probably, with respect, an act of foolishness." The party's strategy is determined by its sense of the pulse of Singaporeans, Singh said. If the public has an appetite for something else, the party should be sensitive to it. "If not, it's a gamble and gambles don't work very well in Singapore politics," he added. But the party did have a "complete change" of strategy as compared with in 2020 — in Tampines and Punggol GRCs and Jalan Kayu SMC, in particular, where the party presented strong cases, said Singh, who did not elaborate on the change. Those three constituencies were the WP's closest losses. Singh said this sense of what Singaporeans want is also why much of the party's work is done at the margins — to bring the voices of people who fall between the cracks to Parliament — rather than to present a radically different vision of Singapore. He added that on a day-to-day level, Singapore is a decent place to live, thrive, grow and raise a family, "and that's not what we are trying to destroy". "But in spite of all that, there is a desire amongst many Singaporeans for political balance, and we know that, and we try and tap that." Shahril pointed to other opposition political parties in Singapore that appear to have a different view of the opposition's job, as they offer policy ideas that are "more radical than the WP's", which has sometimes been described as a half-step to the left. Singh acknowledged those views, but said that while everyone wants a successful Singapore, the question is how to get there. "Ultimately, one view will prevail, and I think that's the view that the public can relate to most naturally. And hence, in comparison to the other opposition parties, we present this particular vision for this moment in time," he said. If that view changes, the WP wants to be in a position to pivot very quickly. But the party cannot pivot or talk about change if it does not have a position in Parliament, he added. Shahril asked if WP had "missed the trick of trying to get into the emotional register" as opposed to being managerial and technocratic, by not raising issues of discontent among Singaporeans such as the cost of living. Singh said the party had talked about cost of living and housing during the election, but "the PAP didn't take the bait". The PAP ran a "very, very tight campaign" where there were no gaffes, and the strategy was not to talk about the pain points, he said. "The Singaporean voter is very sophisticated, and accordingly, we have to align our politics in a way which can ensure that the opposition continues to grow and thrive in the Singapore context," he added. Singh was also asked about how he dealt with his court case, where he was fined in February for lying to a parliamentary committee during its 2021 inquiry into former WP MP Raeesah Khan's conduct. He has appealed against his conviction and sentence. He said: "When your conscience is clear, and you do not agree with what has been done to you, there's a certain clarity of mind, clarity of thought, clarity of purpose, that keeps you focused on what you are in this for, and that really has been my lodestar." He pointed to a BBC report that said the case had almost no impact during the elections, adding that "without going into details, I did fairly respectably in my constituency". Singh was also asked how Singapore manages multiracialism and multiculturalism. The ruling government in Singapore takes this very seriously, said Singh. "I cannot think of any other way to manage a society with different races than telling all of them that all of you are important and everybody has a place at the table." While it is not perfect, the fundamental building block of any society is to respect one another, he said. Asked if he would do it any differently, he said: "I wouldn't, because I am passionately race neutral about things." This does not mean he ignores reality, but being race neutral is how he views Singapore and aspires the country to be, he added. Multiracialism is something Singapore continues to work at, and "as an opposition member, I want to be part of the solution in that", he said. Asked if there was data to show electoral support by ethnic groups, Singh said that as residential areas have a mix of people, "you can't really tell which community voted in which particular direction". Whether one is a member of the Singapore government or an opposition politician, the approach to race is that it is not something to be brought into the political realm — not something to score political points on, added Singh. [[nid:719134]] This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
WP wants to be ‘insurance' for S'pore should PAP suffer ‘major malfunction': Pritam
Mr Pritam Singh (centre) on the popular Malaysian political podcast Keluar Sekejap, which translates to 'out for a moment', hosted by Mr Khairy Jamaluddin (left) and Mr Shahril Hamdan. PHOTO: PRITAMSINGH76/INSTAGRAM WP wants to be 'insurance' for S'pore should PAP suffer 'major malfunction': Pritam SINGAPORE – The Workers' Party wants to get to a position where it is ready to step in and govern, should the ruling PAP suffer a 'major malfunction', said Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh. 'You want to be in a position where you can say: 'Look, we're ready because we've got these years of experience under our belt,'', he added. This would be a 'great insurance for Singapore', said Mr Singh, who has been party chief since 2018. 'I'm not saying me and my colleagues today will be in that position, but we certainly want to put the party in that position,' he added. Mr Singh, who was making his first podcast appearance, was responding to a question by former Malaysian health minister Khairy Jamaluddin on whether he could see a Singapore without the PAP at the helm. Mr Khairy and Mr Shahril Hamdan, former UMNO information chief, are hosts of popular Malaysian political podcast Keluar Sekejap, which translates to 'out for a moment'. In an almost two-hour-long session uploaded to YouTube on June 24, Mr Singh also said he would not want to be prime minister of Singapore. 'I think my role is to normalise the idea of an opposition in Singapore,' he said. He hopes to bring more like-minded people on board to achieve a 'functioning and effective' parliamentary democracy. His comments – filmed during a family holiday to Malaysia – come about two months after the 2025 general election held on May 3. In that outing, his party held on to their 10 seats in Aljunied, Hougang and Sengkang. It also picked up two Non-Constituency MP seats for its Jalan Kayu and Tampines GRC candidates, following close fights in those constituencies. They form the WP's largest contingent in Parliament, after the party fielded 26 candidates in eight constituencies out of the 97 seats and 33 constituencies available. The podcast covered a wide range of topics, including Mr Singh's background and motivation to join politics, the party's strategy at the recent election and its role in Singapore's political landscape. Throughout the podcast, Mr Singh reiterated his view of WP's role as a check and balance to the ruling party, given the appetite of Singapore voters today. This came through in his response to comments referenced by Mr Khairy, that suggested Mr Singh's strategy in the general election showed a 'lack of ambition' – for instance, by not contesting outside the 'bunker' of Aljunied GRC where he has been since 2011. Mt Khairy also asked if the party should pivot away from Mr Singh's medium-term goal, set in 2019, of contesting and winning one-third of the seats in Parliament. The one-third goal is tied to Singapore's laws, which state that constitutional amendments require two-thirds majority support in the House. Mr Singh said he has to understand what Singaporeans want and how they respond to language which reflects ambition. 'I have to have a good finger on the pulse of Singaporeans... If that language is not in sync with their broad understanding of what they want out of politics in Singapore, then ambition can be a death knell for any politician in Singapore,' he said. 'If we accept that Singaporeans are pragmatic and there's no demand for a change of government, then going out there, flying a flag which says 'I'm your Prime Minister-in-waiting' is probably, with respect, an act of foolishness.' The party's strategy is determined by its sense of the pulse of Singaporeans, he said. If the public has an appetite for something else, the party should be sensitive to it. 'If not, it's a gamble and gambles don't work very well in Singapore politics,' he added. But the party did have a 'complete change' of strategy as compared to 2020 – in Tampines and Punggol GRCs and Jalan Kayu in particular, where the party presented strong cases, said Mr Singh, who did not elaborate on the change. Those three constituencies were the WP's closest losses. Mr Singh said this sense of what Singaporeans want is also why much of the party's work is done at the margins – to bring the voices of people who fall between the cracks to Parliament – rather than to present a radically different vision of Singapore. He added that on a day-to-day level, Singapore is a decent place to live, thrive, grow and raise a family, 'and that's not what we are trying to destroy'. 'But in spite of all that, there is a desire amongst many Singaporeans for political balance, and we know that, and we try and tap into that.' Mr Shahril pointed to other opposition political parties in Singapore that appear to have a different view of the opposition's job, as they offer policy ideas that are 'more radical than the WP', which has sometimes been described as a half step to the left. Mr Singh acknowledged those views, but said that while everyone wants a successful Singapore, the question is how to get there. 'Utimately, one view will prevail, and I think that's the view that the public can relate to most naturally. And hence, in comparison to the other opposition parties, we present this particular vision for this moment in time,' said Mr Singh. If that view changes, the WP wants to be in a position to pivot very quickly. But the party cannot pivot or talk about change if it does not have a position in Parliament, he added. Mr Shahril asked if WP had 'missed the trick of trying to get into the emotional register' as opposed to being managerial and technocratic, by not raising issues of discontent among Singaporeans such as the cost of living. Mr Singh said the party had talked about cost of living and housing during the election, but 'the PAP didn't take the bait'. The PAP ran a 'very, very tight campaign' where there were no gaffes, and the strategy was not to talk about the pain points, he said. 'The Singaporean voter is very sophisticated, and accordingly, we have to align our politics in a way which can ensure that the opposition continues to grow and thrive in the Singapore context,' he added. Mr Singh was also asked about how he dealt with his court case, where he was fined in February for lying to a parliamentary committee during its 2021 inquiry into former WP MP Raeesah Khan's conduct. He has appealed his conviction and sentence. He said: 'When your conscience is clear and you do not agree with what has been done to you, there's a certain clarity of mind, clarity of thought, clarity of purpose, that keeps you focused on what you are in this for, and that really has been my lodestar.' He pointed to a BBC report that said the case had almost no impact during the elections, adding that 'without going into details, I did fairly respectably in my constituency'. Mr Singh was also asked about how Singapore manages multiracialism and multiculturalism. The ruling government in Singapore takes this very seriously, said Mr Singh. 'I cannot think of any other way to manage a society with different races than telling all of them that all of you are important and everybody has a place at the table.' While it is not perfect, the fundamental building block of any society is to respect one another, he said. Asked if he would do it any differently, he said: 'I wouldn't, because I am passionately race neutral about things'. This does not mean he ignores reality, but being race neutral is how he views Singapore and aspires the country to be, he added. Multiracialism is something Singapore continues to work at, and 'as an opposition member, I want to be part of the solution in that', he said. Asked if there was data to show electoral support by ethnic groups, Mr Singh said that as residential areas have a mix of people, 'you can't really tell which community voted in which particular direction'. Whether one is a member of the Singapore government or an opposition politician, the approach to race is that it is not something to be brought into the political realm – not something to score political points on, added Mr Singh. Goh Yan Han is political correspondent at The Straits Times. She writes Unpacked, a weekly newsletter on Singapore politics and policy. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Online Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- Online Citizen
‘Systemic constraints are real': Pritam Singh highlights gerrymandering as original sin in Singapore politics
Speaking on the YouTube podcast 'Keluar Sekejap' on 24 June 2025, Singapore's Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh offered candid reflections on the political realities facing opposition parties in the country. In a wide-ranging conversation, Singh identified systemic barriers—such as aggressive gerrymandering and institutional exclusion—as key challenges that prevent robust opposition growth. He was interviewed by co-hosts Khairy Jamaluddin, a former Malaysian health minister, and Shahril Hamdan, a former United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) leader. Responding to Shahril's question on why Singaporeans remain seemingly content with the People's Action Party (PAP), Singh said one major factor is the structural imbalance in Singapore's electoral system. He described aggressive gerrymandering as 'the original sin in Singapore politics', pointing to how electoral boundaries were changed just 1.5 months before nomination day during the last general election. 'That's one strand or one vertical you can look at, the nature of the system which just makes it difficult to enter and successfully campaign as an opposition party,' said Singh. He added that while any Singaporean over the age of 21 who is not bankrupt may technically contest elections, the real hurdles are institutional. Singh: Small-minded exclusion of opposition MPs from citizenship ceremonies must end Pritam Singh highlighted the exclusion of opposition MPs from citizenship ceremonies, even when these are held in their own constituencies. He criticised the practice as petty and unprogressive, especially given that around 20,000 new citizens are welcomed annually in Singapore. 'I find that incredibly small-minded, incredibly small-minded. Here we are talking about a united Singapore and you've got such a policy and that policy has to change in my view.' Pritam candidly acknowledged that the PAP has implemented policies that Singaporeans appreciate, Examples include world-class public libraries, parks, green spaces, and public gymnasiums. He added that even the opposition supports many government policies in Parliament when they are well-reasoned and beneficial. Singh pointed out that Singaporeans do see value in the current system, especially in aspects that touch their daily lives positively. Too restrained for the 'jungle'? Singh pressed to adopt bolder political style Shahril questioned whether the Workers' Party's approach—perceived as incremental and technocratic—fails to connect emotionally with voters grappling with real-life concerns such as inflation and housing affordability. Khairy agreed, suggesting that Singh's restrained and rational tone may not suit Singapore's competitive political terrain. He described the environment as a 'jungle' dominated by the PAP, saying Singh might need to adopt a more combative style to galvanise public sentiment. According to Khairy, this would mean behaving more like a 'street fighter', employing sharper rhetoric and stoking public anger over contentious issues such as GST hikes, immigration, and financial scandals. He contrasted this with Malaysia's opposition, which has a tradition of mobilising mass protests and public campaigns, and questioned why the WP does not adopt similar tactics. Singh: PAP avoided key issues to shield against public backlash In response, Singh maintained that the WP's campaign focused on core issues such as the cost of living and housing. 'But the PAP didn't take the bait,' he said. He argued that the ruling party ran a defensive campaign, deliberately avoiding engagement on politically sensitive topics. 'They knew these were pain points,' Singh added. 'The strategy was: let's not talk about them.' Citing a report from CNA, Singh noted that even senior ministers like Vivian Balakrishnan and Josephine Teo did not give any speeches during the election period. 'And they were, according to that newspaper article, it was by design. Don't say anything stupid which will make Singaporeans angry,' he said. Singh also recounted confronting Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Parliament, where he accused the government of 'turbocharging inflation.' The response he received was, 'This is not an election rally.' 'I said it again during the rally, but they don't want to engage that issue at that point,' Singh continued. 'Or they probably decided, look, this is something we can't win anyway. Nobody is going to back us and say, 'Yes, raising GST was a good decision.'' He concluded that the PAP had a clear and cautious campaign strategy. 'They knew what they wanted to do, and they knew what they didn't want to do—regardless of how much incitement the opposition would have generated.' Constraints on opposition strategy When asked why WP does not adopt a more activist posture, Singh pointed to strict regulations on public assembly. He said Singapore's legal and political environment limits the kinds of tactics opposition parties can use. While admitting that WP's strategy may not have been perfect, Singh maintained that the party aimed to be credible and serious. He argued that Singaporeans are discerning, rejecting unserious or opportunistic candidates, as seen in multi-cornered contests where some parties received 0% of the vote. Raeesah Khan incident and trust recovery Singh also addressed the Raeesah Khan affair, a key incident where the former WP MP admitted to lying in Parliament. This led to Singh being referred to the Committee of Privileges and later found guilty by the High Court—a verdict he is now appealing. He said he remained focused and maintained a clear conscience throughout, despite disagreeing with the ruling. 'And you could feel the ground vibe. And the BBC report I alluded to earlier used the words 'a politically motivated persecution almost of the Leader of the Opposition'.' Singh admitted to potential shortcomings in how the situation was handled but denied the accusations made against him. WP's stand on Gaza and international law On the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Singh reaffirmed the WP's stance, calling it a humanitarian crisis that transcends race or religion. He emphasised that small nations like Singapore must stand firm on international norms and laws for their own security. If powerful countries can flout these rules, it sets a dangerous precedent, Singh argued. He said WP's support for recognising the state of Palestine stems from principle, not electoral calculation, aligning with Singapore's values and its commitment to justice. A missed opportunity: the cancelled HSR project Turning to regional relations, Singh described the cancellation of the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project as a lost chance for deepening bilateral ties. He said the 350km railway could have transformed travel and connectivity between the two nations, shortening journey times and enhancing people-to-people exchanges. Although the project was cancelled in 2021, Singh welcomed signals from both governments expressing renewed interest under revised terms. He called for more educational and cultural exchange initiatives, such as increased university collaborations. 'Singapore and Malaysia are conjoined at the hip,' Singh said, stressing that more meaningful engagement can deliver long-term benefits.
Online Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- Online Citizen
Pritam Singh rejects premiership, ‘My role is to normalise the idea of an opposition in Singapore'
SINGAPORE: Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh has made clear that he has no intention of becoming Prime Minister of Singapore. Speaking on the YouTube podcast 'Keluar Sekejap' on 24 June 2025, he described his primary political mission as 'normalising the idea of an opposition in Singapore'. The podcast was hosted by former Malaysian health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan, a former United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) leader. When Khairy asked Singh directly whether he aspired to become Prime Minister, Singh responded with a firm 'no'. Explaining his stance, he said, 'We all have a role in our minds and in our heart of hearts. And I think my role is to normalise the idea of an opposition in Singapore. That's my role.' He further added, 'And I hope to be able to bring more like-minded people on board. So, being a Singaporean and being in a Singapore which has a functioning and effective parliamentary democracy is my life mission. And that's how I see my role.' Pritam Singh stressed that the opposition must be prepared to govern if needed Pritam also underlined the importance of preparing the Workers' Party (WP) as a ready and rational opposition force. 'I'm not saying me and my colleagues today will be in that position, but we certainly want to put the party in that position.' He characterised this preparation as essential 'insurance' for Singapore in case the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) experiences serious setbacks. 'And if the PAP really suffers a major malfunction, then if push comes to shove, you want to be in a position where you can say, 'Look, we're ready because we've got these years of experience under our belt.' And I think that's a great insurance for Singapore,' Singh stated. Singapore: currently more of a 'one-and-a-half party system' Singh acknowledged that Singapore does not yet have a two-party democracy and instead functions under what he termed a 'one-and-a-half party system'. He asserted that no political party should be considered larger than the nation and expressed concern that Singaporeans may feel overly reliant on the PAP. 'And equally, you're going to have an opposition that has to take elections seriously.' 'You cannot have opposition parties showing up one month, one week before elections and saying, 'Look here, I'm standing and I want to be your Member of Parliament.' I mean, this is a very long-term investment.' He expressed hope that opposition parties would commit to consistent and serious engagement with constituents, moving beyond symbolic electoral participation. Pritam Singh: There are no safe seats for opposition In the podcast, Khairy revisited his earlier critique of the WP's electoral strategy during the May 2025 General Election. He argued that the party's modest target of winning 30% of parliamentary seats lacked the ambition needed to challenge the PAP effectively. Khairy also commented on what he saw as a lack of boldness in Pritam's campaign choices. He questioned why Singh did not step out of his traditional constituency, Aljunied GRC, to contest in a more challenging ward, such as Punggol, where he could have taken on Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong directly. Pritam responded by dismissing the idea that Aljunied was a political 'bunker'. 'There are no safe seats for us (opposition). And there's no safe bunker. Anything can change, and before you know it, you are at the forward edge and you've got to fight your battle there.' he said. He elaborated that the party's strategy is shaped by public sentiment. 'If we accept that Singaporeans are pragmatic and there's no demand for a change of government, then going out there flying a flag which says 'I'm your Prime Minister in waiting' is probably, with respect, an act of foolishness — in my view at least.' Singh explained that to succeed in opposition politics in Singapore, one must consistently engage with residents on the ground to understand their sentiments. He emphasised that political messaging should be grounded in the public's concerns, rather than driven by ideological agendas. 'If not, it's a gamble. And gambles don't work very well in Singapore politics,' Singh added. 'Singaporeans are in serious trouble if only Gan Kim Yong can negotiate with US' Khairy raised another point of contention from the General Election campaign, specifically Singh's focus on DPM Gan Kim Yong. Singh clarified that this focus was not personal. Rather, it was a reaction to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's assertion that Gan was indispensable due to his role in negotiating trade agreements with the United States. Singh challenged this justification, stating, 'Singaporeans are in serious trouble if only Gan Kim Yong can negotiate with the United States.' He noted that Gan is not part of the PAP's Central Executive Committee and is likely serving his final term. Therefore, portraying him as politically untouchable was misleading. Singh emphasised that his political approach is rooted in issues, not personalities. He argued that this principled stance has contributed to the Workers' Party's credibility and increasing political relevance.
