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Singapore’s PAP, opposition trade barbs over ‘less than upfront’ handling of political scandals
- Opposition chief Pritam Singh claims the government was slow to release information on events that put the ruling party in a bad light
- PAP lawmakers hit back, with PM Lee saying Singh’s remarks are akin to ‘pursuing a red herring’
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Singapore’s ruling party and opposition lawmakers on Wednesday traded recriminations over the country’s recent series of political scandals, as both sides sought to deflect accusations they had each been opaque in dealing with the sagas.
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The stormy back-and-forth in parliament followed a statement by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the recent arrest – and suspension from duties – of Transport Minister S. Iswaran following a corruption investigation and the resignation of two MPs from the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) for having an extramarital affair.
The unusual clutch of misdeeds at the highest levels of the country’s usually staid politics also involves the main opposition Workers’ Party (WP).
One of its nine MPs, Leon Perera, resigned last month – also after his extramarital affair with a party colleague came to light.
Prime Minister Lee in his speech admitted that his long-ruling party had “taken a hit” following the sagas involving its members, but pledged to ensure accountability even if it proved politically painful or embarrassing.
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