Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Singapore Opposition Won't Replace Leader
In Singapore, the Prime Minister took away the title of Leader of the Opposition from a man named Pritam Singh.
The Prime Minister asked the Workers’ Party, which is the main opposition party, to choose someone else for the job.
But the Workers’ Party said no.
They believe the Leader of the Opposition should be the leader of the biggest opposition party, not someone chosen by the government.
In other countries with similar systems, the law decides who gets this title.
The Leader of the Opposition gets special help and information, especially during emergencies.
The Workers’ Party has 10 seats in the parliament out of 97.
Singapore's Workers’ Party will not nominate a replacement for the Leader of the Opposition role.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stripped Pritam Singh of the post, citing his conviction for lying.
The Workers’ Party believes the role should be given to the leader of the largest opposition party, not chosen by the government.
In other Westminster-style systems, the Leader of the Opposition is established by law.
The Leader of the Opposition role comes with privileges such as staff support, an additional allowance, and access to confidential government briefings.
- Who
- Singapore's Workers’ Party and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong
- What
- Workers’ Party will not nominate a replacement for the Leader of the Opposition role
- When
- January 21, 2024
- Where
- Singapore
- Why
- The party believes the role should be given to the leader of the largest opposition party, not chosen by the government
- Prime Minister
- Lawrence Wong
- Opposition Party
- Workers’ Party
- Opposition Leader
- Pritam Singh
- Opposition Seats
- 10 of 97
- Leader of Opposition Role
- Designated by head of government
- Role Privileges
- Staff support, additional allowance, confidential briefings
- Westminster Systems
- Leader of Opposition established by law