Singapore (Commonwealth Union) – Pritam Singh, the Indian-origin politician who has become a defining figure in Singapore’s political landscape, continues to lead the charge as the country’s first official Leader of the Opposition. Born in Singapore on August 2, 1976, Singh is of Punjabi descent and serves as the Secretary-General of the Workers’ Party (WP), the only opposition party with elected seats in Parliament.
Singh’s journey into politics was preceded by an impressive academic and professional trajectory. He studied history at the National University of Singapore, graduating in 2000, and later received a Master of Arts in War Studies from King’s College London under the Chevening Scholarship. He also earned a Juris Doctor degree from Singapore Management University.
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Prior to entering politics, Singh worked at the prominent law firm Donaldson & Burkinshaw, where he specialized in dispute resolution and litigation. His political career began in earnest when he was elected to Parliament in 2011. Over the years, his influence within the Workers’ Party grew, leading to his appointment as Secretary-General in 2018, succeeding veteran politician Low Thia Khiang.
Under Singh’s leadership, the WP made significant gains in the 2020 general election, winning 10 out of 93 seats, a historic achievement that led to the formal establishment of the Leader of the Opposition role. This position was designed to enhance political discourse by institutionalizing the role of dissenting voices in the legislative process.
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As Leader of the Opposition, Pritam Singh plays a critical role in parliamentary debates, scrutinizing government policies and presenting alternative viewpoints. His political focus includes key national issues such as the rising cost of living, housing affordability, and ensuring political diversity. Singh’s leadership style emphasizes constructive engagement with the ruling party while advocating for transparency and accountability. Despite challenges such as limited resources and a smaller pool of candidates, the Workers’ Party under Singh’s stewardship has remained resilient.
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In the 2025 general election, the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), now led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, retained power with 87 out of 97 seats. However, the WP held on to its 10 seats, reaffirming its position as the principal opposition force in Singapore. Singh was reappointed as Leader of the Opposition following the election results announced on Saturday. Singh has maintained that even if his party were to win all 26 seats it contests, it would not threaten the PAP’s dominance but would contribute to a more balanced and accountable political system. This message continues to resonate with voters seeking broader representation in Parliament.
However, Singh’s political future faces uncertainty. In February 2025, he was found guilty of giving false testimony to a parliamentary committee investigating a statement by former WP MP Raeesah Khan. Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan ruled that Singh had lied during the 2021 inquiry. The verdict could have implications for his leadership and legal standing moving forward. Despite these developments, Singh remains a pivotal figure in Singapore’s evolving political scene. His leadership and advocacy reflect a growing appetite among citizens for alternative perspectives and a more inclusive democracy.
