Let’s set aside the question of whether Pritam Singh is indeed guilty of lying under oath. That is a matter for the courts to determine, and we want to avoid any potential issues with contempt of court.
However, it should be noted that Pritam Singh’s ongoing trial has revealed some troubling insights. Specifically, Pritam’s leadership style and the way he has been running the WP seems to suggest that his behaviour is not any different from a toxic SME boss.
First, the misogyny. According to former WP cadre Yudhishthra Nathan:
“I do remember Pritam Singh saying something to the effect of conservative religious men in our society would not like to have an MP (who) was sexually assaulted.” When asked by Pritam Singh’s lawyer why he did not call Pritam out on the comment, Yudhishthra Nathan replied that “frankly, it was not surprising that Mr Singh said that.”
Ouch.
Granted, Pritam Singh was referring to the views that some segments of society allegedly held. But it is appalling that he is giving these bigoted statements legitimacy by taking them into consideration, and it also reveals a certain mindset that he holds. Very similar to a toxic SME boss, and very poor form from the Leader of the Opposition.
Next, the indecisiveness and gaslighting. Imagine discovering from your boss at your year-end appraisal that your performance had been lacking, despite the fact that they should have provided regular feedback and maintained open communication throughout the year. To make matters worse, this boss used completely unrelated factors to justify your poor performance rating.
That was essentially what happened to Raeesah Khan. Sure, she’s a piece of work in her own right. But the fact remains that she was a new and young MP, and had looked towards her party elders for guidance. Instead, she was faced with passive-aggressive and vague responses from Pritam Singh, who should have provided clearer direction. And at WP disciplinary committee, Raeesah was suddenly confronted with allegations about her performance as a MP. Which she stated had never been mentioned to her before, and had nothing to do with her lie in Parliament.
While we are withholding judgement on whether Pritam Singh had asked Raeesah Khan to mantain the lie, it is evident that he did not explicitly tell her to come forward when he knew about the situation. And the matter remained unresolved for a few months before it escalated. In other words, the whole debacle would have been easily avoided if Pritam Singh had demonstrated decisive leadership instead of toxic workplace behaviour typical of an SME.
Finally, the internal disunity and infighting. Apart from the trial witnesses – Raeesah Khan, Loh Pei Ying and Yudhishthra Nathan – former WP CEC member and NCMP Daniel Goh also had issues with Pritam Singh’s handling of the issue. But he was silenced and disciplined by the WP for raising his dissent publicly, and has since left the WP.
What about the revelation from Yudhishthra Nathan that WP Sengkang MP He Ting Ru disliked both Jamus Lim and Raeesah Khan during the 2020 GE, and that her dislike for Raeesah Khan persisted even after the election?
Or how Loh Pei Ying herself had described Raeesah Khan as “naïve, stupid and lao hong”?
And also former WP MP Leon Perera’s resignation from the WP under a cloud, following the disclosure of an extramarital affair between him and Nicole Seah? There are rumours that Leon Perera was deeply unhappy with Pritam Singh for his management of this matter as well.
It is increasingly clear that the WP today differs significantly from the well-organised and reputable party that Low Thia Khiang had built. Under Pritam Singh, WP increasingly resembles a toxic SME. It is no surprise that there are growing calls online for Low Thia Khiang to return to politics and help restore stability within the WP.
Interesting days ahead.
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