Pritam Singh says opposition strengthens governance by assisting when needed and holding PAP accountable

At a rally held on 28 April 2025 at Yusof Ishak Secondary School, Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh highlighted that a strong opposition presence in Parliament is not meant to hamper the government's duties, but to assist when needed and to ensure greater accountability. Singh recalled that in March 2023, despite holding a supermajority, the People's Action Party (PAP) government almost failed to pass a constitutional amendment due to insufficient numbers of their own MPs. He said the situation was salvaged only because Workers' Party MPs were present and ready to perform their parliamentary duties. According to the Hansard, the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill, which introduced a framework to better combat new psychoactive substances, was tabled on 21 March 2023. It was presented alongside the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill, which proposed harsher penalties for large-scale possession of Class A drugs such as cocaine and cannabis. Hansard records showed that 67 MPs voted in favour of the amendments, with no objections or abstentions. The quorum for a constitutional amendment requires at least two-thirds of all seats — 62 votes — to be cast. Seven WP MPs — Gerald Giam, He Ting Ru, Jamus Lim, Sylvia Lim, Leon Perera, Pritam Singh, and Dennis Tan — were present and voted in favour, making their support crucial to the passing of the amendments. He pointed out that it is the Government Whip’s responsibility to ensure enough PAP MPs are present for critical votes. At that time, the Whip was Dr Janil Puthucheary, who is contesting under the People's Action Party in Punggol GRC. Drawing a comparison with Singapore Armed Forces' values, Singh said, "As all SAF men know, you must always take strength. You must make sure no soldier is left behind." However, Singh argued that, in this instance, the Government Whip failed to ensure full strength among PAP MPs. "Lucky for him, the Workers' Party MPs were present," he added. Singh urged Punggol residents and Singaporeans to recognise that the opposition is vital in ensuring sound governance. He asserted that only with effective opposition can the PAP be pushed to "listen harder" and be more responsive to citizens' needs. He stressed that if strong public support exists for WP’s positions, the PAP would have to reconsider and adjust its policies accordingly. "We are here to make the PAP more sensitive to your needs and your concerns," Singh said. Dr Janil Puthucheary did not serve National Service (NS). In 2011, addressing criticisms that he had not served NS after becoming a Singapore citizen at age 35 in 2008, the paediatrician said he had served the public by saving lives: "I've spent the last 10 years saving kids' lives." Singh also criticised what he described as flawed proposals from PAP MPs in the previous term, citing a suggestion by one PAP MP that university degrees should expire after five years to promote continuous learning. He argued that such proposals reflected overconfidence arising from the PAP’s control of more than 90 per cent of Parliament seats. Singh warned that when a ruling party faces little political pressure, it risks becoming disconnected from the realities of ordinary citizens. The rally speech formed part of the WP’s broader campaign narrative: that electing more opposition MPs strengthens governance by improving scrutiny and responsiveness without undermining political stability. Polling day is set for Saturday, with the Workers' Party hoping to leverage concerns over unchecked dominance and political accountability to secure greater voter support.