'We continue': Workers’ Party cadres reaffirm strong backing for Pritam Singh after special cadre conference

SINGAPORE: The Workers’ Party (WP) has seen its members and supporters reaffirm strong backing for Secretary-General Pritam Singh following a Special Cadre Members’ Conference (CMC) held on 28 June 2026.

The gathering, convened under party rules after a requisition by more than 20 cadres later finalised at 25, resulted in a secret ballot in which cadres voted by a supermajority to retain Singh as party leader.

The conference outcome was framed internally as a constitutional exercise within the WP’s structures, following disciplinary processes concluded earlier in the year.

While exact figures were not disclosed, party leadership characterised the result as a decisive endorsement of continuity and internal unity at a politically sensitive moment.

Party messaging and ‘WeContinue’ reaffirmation

Following the conference, the WP’s official Facebook page posted the slogan “WeContinue”, a message that was widely shared among supporters and interpreted as a reaffirmation of organisational resilience.

The post emphasised the party’s continued focus on “issues that directly impact the daily lives of Singaporeans” and its broader aim of contributing to a more balanced political system.

Supporters responding online described the message as a signal of steadiness and resolve after a period of heightened scrutiny.

Within the party, the slogan was repeatedly referenced in subsequent posts by members and candidates, reinforcing a unified communication line centred on continuity rather than disruption.

Sylvia Lim signals solidarity and personal reflection

WP Chairperson Sylvia Lim shared a photograph with Singh shortly after the conference, accompanied by a brief reflective message. She wrote that “sometimes, there are only a few people who know what you’re going through.”

Harpreet Singh: Cadres’ confidence in leadership reflects considered judgment, not blind loyalty

Newly elected Central Executive Committee member Harpreet Singh Nehal described the cadre decision as one that acknowledged the High Court ruling while focusing on broader leadership considerations.

He stated that cadres made their assessment “with full respect for the recent High Court judgment, without seeking to minimise or sidestep it,” while weighing Singh’s “entire record, character and conduct over more than fifteen years.”

Harpreet highlighted Singh’s political career since becoming Member of Parliament in 2011 and his appointment as Secretary-General in 2018, describing it as marked by “tireless service” and “calm under sustained political pressure.”

He added that while “the judgment stands and must be respected,” leadership assessment necessarily involves consideration of long-term service. He said the outcome reflected “not blind loyalty,” but a “careful assessment” of suitability to continue leading the party.

Jasper Kuan highlights unity across party generations

GE2025 candidate for East Coast GRC Jasper Kuan shared a personal account of attending the conference, noting that he gave a ride to a veteran cadre who has served since the era of former leader Low Thia Khiang.

He described the gathering as one that brought together “new and old” members in a shared expression of support for Singh, characterising it as a moment of organisational cohesion rather than division.

Kuan said the “supermajority reflects not blind loyalty… but our considered measure of Pritam as a man, a comrade, and a leader,” adding that the outcome placed “even greater responsibility” on the secretary-general.

He also emphasised a culture of humility in leadership succession, noting that leaders should be willing to step aside when better candidates emerge, consistent with Singh’s own past remarks on leadership renewal.

Jimmy Tan challenges external narrative of division

GE2025 candidate for Tampines GRC Jimmy Tan rejected suggestions that the cadre process reflected internal dissatisfaction or agitation for leadership change.

He argued that claims of internal discord reflected a media narrative “from sources known only to themselves,” pointing instead to the outcome of the conference as evidence of unity.

Following the vote, Tan stated that Singh “garnered super majority votes to remain as SG” and was subsequently retained “without challenge,” framing this as evidence of internal consensus.

He added that Singh has faced multiple controversies yet “never… retreat from public engagements,” describing him as a leader who absorbs both “encouragements and reproaches in his stride.”

Citing Singh’s 2020 remarks, he said: “Somebody has to put his flag in the sand and say, I’m going to do it,” adding that Singh “walk his talk.”

Yee Jenn Jong: Appointing anyone other than Singh as Leader of the Opposition would be “a mockery”

Former WP Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Yee Jenn Jong weighed in on the broader leadership implications, rejecting suggestions that another MP should be appointed Leader of the Opposition in place of Singh.

Writing on 29 June, he said such a move after Singh’s removal from the role would “be a mockery” and “do a big damage to the WP,” arguing that the role should not be separated from party leadership.

He added that the WP remained firmly behind Singh following the cadre vote, describing support levels as “a ‘better than supermajority’.”

He also stated that leadership renewal should proceed on the party’s own timeline rather than external expectations.

Yee further noted that “renewal has already started,” suggesting that new leaders would gradually emerge within the party structure over time.

Walid J. Abdullah: 2021 Raeesah Khan episode has not affected Singh’s credibility

Assistant Professor Walid J. Abdullah of Nanyang Technological University commented that Singh “more than survives” the internal process, adding that he “demonstrates that he is fully in-charge of the Workers’ Party.”

He pointed to the supermajority support among cadres as evidence of consolidation, despite earlier speculation about internal fractures following disciplinary proceedings.

Walid argued that the earlier 2021 Raeesah Khan parliamentary episode “has not affected his credibility,” citing continued electoral support in 2025, backing from MPs, and now cadre endorsement.

He further stated that the outcome was “good for Singapore,” suggesting that strong opposition leadership benefits political competition and public discourse.

Background to the disciplinary process and conference

The Special CMC was convened after a requisition letter signed by more than 20 cadres, later finalised at 25, triggered an internal vote under party rules.

The CEC had previously indicated that any conference would follow the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings.

Those proceedings stemmed from the 2021 case involving former WP MP Raeesah Khan’s false parliamentary statement.

A Committee of Privileges inquiry and subsequent court proceedings found that Singh had knowledge of aspects of the matter and mishandled its correction, resulting in criminal charges and a conviction upheld by the High Court in December 2025.

Following internal review in January 2026, a disciplinary panel found breaches of party rules but characterised them as errors of judgement rather than intentional wrongdoing.

The CEC issued a formal reprimand on 30 April 2026.

Parliament had earlier voted in January 2026 to deem Singh unsuitable for the LO role, a decision subsequently acted upon by the Prime Minister. The WP chose not to nominate a replacement.

Constitutional framing and leadership remarks

After the conference, Singh described the proceedings as a “constitutional exercise initiated by party cadres,” adding that the party respects the internal process.

He said the meeting itself was less dramatic than portrayed externally, noting that members simply voted after procedural acceptance of the requisition.

He also indicated that the result reflected a supermajority sentiment within the cadre base, consistent with internal descriptions provided by senior party figures.