Singapore's Opposition Leader Fails in Bid to Move Trial to High Court

Singapore's Leader of the Opposition, Pritam Singh, failed to have his trial for allegedly lying to a parliamentary committee moved to the High Court. Justice Hoo Sheau Peng stated there were no public interest considerations to justify the transfer. Singh faces charges of lying involving former MP Raeesah Khan.

Singapore's Leader of the Opposition, Pritam Singh, failed on Monday to have his upcoming trial on charges of lying to a parliamentary committee moved to the High Court. His lawyers compared his case to that of former transport minister S Iswaran.

The 48-year-old Workers' Party (WP) chief faces two charges of lying to a Committee of Privileges set up in November 2021 to investigate a controversy involving former MP Raeesah Khan. Singh's lawyers argued for his case to be transferred from the State Courts, referencing Iswaran's case, which was moved to the High Court due to strong public interest.

However, Justice Hoo Sheau Peng dismissed Singh's application, stating there were no strong public interest considerations to justify the transfer. She emphasized that all accused individuals should be treated equally and that transferring cases to the High Court should only occur in rare and exceptional circumstances.

(With inputs from agencies.)