Pritam Singh: Leading the Opposition in Singapore

Pritam Singh is a prominent Singaporean politician and the current Secretary-General of the Workers’ Party (WP), the leading opposition party in Singapore. He holds the distinction of being the first official Leader of the Opposition in Singapore’s parliamentary history.

Born in 1976, Pritam Singh’s educational background includes studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS), where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He furthered his education with a Master of Arts degree in War Studies from King’s College London and a Juris Doctor from the Singapore Management University (SMU). Before entering politics, he worked as a lawyer.

Singh’s political career began in 2011 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Aljunied Group Representation Constituency (GRC) as part of the WP team. The Aljunied GRC victory marked a significant milestone for the opposition in Singapore, signaling a growing desire for alternative voices in parliament. He has retained his seat in subsequent elections, consistently representing the residents of Aljunied GRC.

Within the Workers’ Party, Singh rose through the ranks, eventually succeeding Low Thia Khiang as Secretary-General in 2018. Under his leadership, the WP has seen continued growth in its parliamentary representation. The 2020 general election witnessed the WP securing a record number of parliamentary seats for the opposition, solidifying their position as a credible alternative to the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP).

As Leader of the Opposition, Singh plays a crucial role in holding the government accountable, scrutinizing policies, and proposing alternative solutions. He has been vocal on issues such as income inequality, cost of living, and social mobility. His parliamentary speeches are often characterized by thorough research, reasoned arguments, and a focus on representing the concerns of ordinary Singaporeans.

Singh’s leadership style is often described as measured and pragmatic. He is known for his ability to articulate complex issues in a clear and accessible manner. While he advocates for greater political diversity and contestation, he also emphasizes the importance of responsible and constructive opposition.

Pritam Singh’s rise to prominence reflects the evolving political landscape in Singapore. His leadership of the Workers’ Party has contributed to a more robust and engaged parliamentary debate, providing a platform for alternative perspectives and holding the government accountable to the people.