SINGAPORE: In a dramatic turn of events, former Workers' Party (WP) chief Low Thia Khiang is set to testify as a key prosecution witness in the trial of his successor, Pritam Singh. This high-profile case has captured the nation's attention and is poised to unveil shocking details about parliamentary conduct.

Low, who stepped down as secretary-general of the WP in 2018, is among five witnesses lined up by the prosecution. The trial, beginning on October 14, is pivotal for Singh, who faces two serious charges of providing false testimony to a parliamentary committee about the conduct of former MP Raeesah Khan. Khan has embroiled both party leaders in controversy after making false claims in parliament regarding a sensitive rape case.

The chain of events dates back to August 3, 2021, when Khan made headlines by sharing a harrowing story about allegedly accompanying a victim to a police station. She claimed that the police mishandled the case, but later, on November 1, 2021, she admitted that her statements were fabricated. This admission prompted the formation of a Committee of Privileges to investigate her conduct, and the spotlight quickly turned to Singh, who is accused of giving knowingly false answers during the inquiry.

In a bombshell revelation during the prosecution's opening statements, it was disclosed that Low learned of Khan's deceit just days after her initial, false statements. On October 11, 2021, in a critical meeting with Singh and WP chairman Sylvia Lim, Low was informed of the inaccuracies in Khan's account. He urged immediate action, insisting Khan do the right thing by clarifying her lies in parliament and issuing an apology.

As the trial unfolds, the public is eager to hear from Khan herself, who is set to take the stand for an intensive three to four-day examination before facing cross-examination from Singh's legal team, led by lawyer Andre Jumabhoy. Following Khan, two former WP members—Loh Pei Ying, who was a personal assistant to both Khan and Singh, and Yudhishthra Nathan, a party volunteer—will give testimony regarding their interactions with Khan before and after her admission of guilt.

The ramifications of this trial extend beyond the individuals involved; it could redefine the future of the Workers' Party and raise critical questions about accountability in governance. Will Pritam Singh withstand this intense scrutiny, or will Low Thia Khiang’s testimony seal his fate? The nation is watching closely as this political drama unfolds. Stay tuned for more updates on this explosive trial!