[Bigiron]

‘Systemic constraints are real’: Pritam Singh highlights gerrymandering as original sin in Singapore politics 

Speaking on podcast hosted by Malaysia’s ex-minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh addressed systemic constraints, the Raeesah Khan case, Singapore–Malaysia ties, and Gaza. He called gerrymandering “the original sin” in Singapore politics, citing boundary changes just 1.5 months before GE2025.

https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/06...-politics/

[Bigiron]

Title: ‘Systemic constraints are real’: Pritam Singh highlights gerrymandering as original sin in Singapore politics
 
Source: The Online Citizen, June 24, 2025
 
Author: Not specified
 
Article Summary:
 
Theme: This news article reports on an interview with Pritam Singh, the Leader of the Opposition in Singapore, where he discusses various challenges faced by opposition parties in the country.
 
Core Points:
 
- Gerrymandering as a systemic constraint: Singh identifies aggressive gerrymandering as a significant obstacle for opposition parties, citing boundary changes made just 1.5 months before the 2025 General Election (GE2025). He terms this "the original sin in Singapore politics."
- Institutional exclusion: Singh points out other systemic barriers, including the exclusion of opposition MPs from citizenship ceremonies, even in their own constituencies. He criticizes this as "incredibly small-minded."
- PAP's campaign strategy: Singh argues that the People's Action Party (PAP) avoided engaging with sensitive issues like the cost of living and GST hikes during the election, opting for a defensive campaign strategy.
- Opposition's strategic limitations: Singh acknowledges that the Workers' Party's (WP) approach might be perceived as too incremental and suggests that the restrictive regulations on public assembly limit the opposition's available tactics. He defends their strategy as aiming for credibility and seriousness.
- Raeesah Khan incident: Singh addresses the Raeesah Khan affair and his subsequent referral to the Committee of Privileges, maintaining his focus and clear conscience despite the High Court's guilty verdict (which he is appealing). He suggests a politically motivated aspect to the case.
- WP's stance on Gaza: Singh reaffirms the WP's position on the Gaza conflict, emphasizing a humanitarian approach and the importance of upholding international law.
- Singapore-Malaysia ties: Singh expresses regret over the cancellation of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project but welcomes renewed interest from both governments and advocates for increased educational and cultural exchange.
 
Phenomenon: The interview highlights the challenges faced by opposition parties in Singapore's political system, focusing on systemic constraints and strategic considerations. It offers insights into the PAP's campaign strategy and the internal discussions within the opposition party.