Singapore: Indian-origin politician becomes first Leader of Opposition in Parliament

For first time in Singapore’s history, an India-origin politician Pritam Singh was appointed as leer of Opposition on July 28. According to an international media outlet, Singh’s Workers’ Party won 10 parliamentary seats out of 93 contested in July 10 general elections. His party also became biggest opposition presence in Singapore’s Parliament. 

43-year-old is Secretary-General of Workers’ Party. While Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s ruling People’s Action Party reportedly won 83 seats in general election and his government was sworn in earlier this week, newly appointed leer of Opposition will take on more duties and be accorded ditional privileges in his role. 

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In a joint statement, Office of Speaker of Parliament and Office of Leer of House said, “Similar to or Westminster parliamentary systems, Mr Singh will le Opposition in presenting alternative views in parliamentary debates on policies, bills and motions."

authorities informed that Singh will also le and organise scrutiny of government’s position and actions in Parliament. Furrmore, he will be consulted on appointment of opposition members to Select Committees, such as Public Accounts Committee. According to statement by officials, Indian-origin politician will receive an annual pack of USD 2,79,025 as allowances for his new role. 

Singapore’s Parliament reportedly said that with any new political appointment, role of LO (Leer of Opposition) will evolve as city-state’s political system develops. authorities ded that y look forward to working with Singh to create a robust but stable political system serving interests of Singapore and its people. 

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Desire for ‘greater diversity’ 

Meanwhile, after swearing-in ceremony, Singapore’s PM reportedly said that election results have shown a strong desire among citizens for a greater diversity of views in politics and that trend is here to stay. Lee said, “We have to give expression to it and evolve our political system to accommodate it while maintaining our cohesion and sense of national purpose”. 

Parliamentary offices in a statement ted that Singapore’s legislatures have never h formally designated Leers of Opposition, and such a position is t provided for in Constitution or Standing Orders of Parliament. officials said that even in 1950s and early 1960s when re were substantial numbers of opposition legislative assemblymen, country’s legislature Neve h formal LO. 

(Im: @daunlust/Twitter) 

(With PTI inputs) 

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