SINGAPORE — When the video showing two former Workers’ Party (WP) members, Leon Perera and Nicole Seah, surfaced on social media on July 17, many couldn’t help but notice the timing. Just hours before, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had announced the resignation of two People’s Action Party (PAP) Members of Parliament, Tan Chuan-Jin and Cheng Li Hui, due to their own affair. Was this an “uncanny coincidence,” as some have speculated? WP Secretary-General Pritam Singh refrained from drawing conclusions but acknowledged that many are asking the same question.
In a press conference held on Wednesday, July 19, Singh, alongside WP Chairman Sylvia Lim, addressed the fallout from the video, which showed Perera and Seah in a restaurant, with Perera seemingly caressing Seah’s hand. The video quickly went viral, and the fallout has been swift.
Resignations Confirmed: Perera Steps Down as MP
During the press briefing, Singh confirmed the resignation of both Perera and Seah from the party. Perera, the MP for Aljunied GRC, had already informed the Acting Speaker of Parliament of his decision to step down. This comes on the heels of the video’s release, which further complicated the situation already marred by the affair allegations.
When asked about the timing of the video and its connection to the PAP MPs’ resignations, Singh gave a cautious response. “I don’t want to encourage speculative statements,” he said, “but I think the fact that you’re asking the question suggests it’s on your mind.” He didn’t directly address the speculation but left it open for people to draw their own conclusions about the timing.
The Affair and the Timeline
Singh revealed that when the allegations first emerged, both Perera and Seah were not forthcoming. It wasn’t until the video surfaced that the truth came to light. According to Singh, when the video first came to their attention on July 17, Perera and Seah admitted to having had an affair that, they claimed, ended some time ago.
However, Singh noted that he was unsure of when or where the video was taken and didn’t have a clear date for when the affair concluded. He confirmed that both former WP members began their relationship after the 2020 General Election.
Singh also clarified that WP would have taken a different course of action if there had been corroborative evidence or multiple sources confirming the affair. Early on, the party had received a tip-off from a single source — a disgruntled employee of Perera’s — but no concrete evidence existed at the time.
Integrity and Discipline: WP’s Approach vs. PAP
When asked about WP’s handling of the situation compared to PAP’s approach to Tan Chuan-Jin and Cheng Li Hui, Singh explained that the decision was rooted in WP’s core values. The Workers’ Party expects its members to be upfront and truthful, especially when it comes to serious allegations. Singh emphasized that party discipline is paramount in maintaining trust with Singaporeans.
“The consequences are severe if you fall foul of that,” he stated, suggesting that if Perera hadn’t resigned, Singh himself would have recommended expulsion from the party.
While Singh acknowledged that Perera’s departure was a loss for the party, especially given his track record of excellent work on the ground, he emphasized the importance of upholding party standards and discipline. “There are other things that we cannot ignore,” he added, stressing that WP’s commitment to integrity remains non-negotiable.
Personal Disappointment and Family Reactions
When asked about the families’ reactions to the affair, Singh shared that both Perera and Seah had expressed regret for the pain they caused their loved ones. He mentioned that while Perera’s family was particularly hurt by the situation, Seah had already confided in her family and began the process of healing before the video emerged.
Singh also took a moment to express his empathy for both individuals, acknowledging that such situations are incredibly difficult for any family involved. “The family is a crucible of strength for all of us,” he said carefully, wishing them both the strength to move forward.
Addressing Concerns About Candidate Screening
A reporter raised concerns about WP’s candidate screening process, given the loss of three out of 21 candidates since the 2020 General Election. Singh addressed the concern but refrained from commenting on future election strategies. He emphasized that WP takes great care in selecting candidates but admitted that it’s impossible to predict how individuals will behave once they are elected.
However, he assured that WP would continue to make informed decisions when fielding candidates in the future. “If I know that there are certain issues that have come up, in good conscience, I cannot field them as candidates again,” he explained.
Rebuilding Trust: WP’s Path Forward
On the topic of rebuilding public trust in WP, Singh acknowledged the damage caused by past controversies, such as Raeesah Khan’s resignation in 2021. While he refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation into Khan, Singh emphasized that WP’s role in Parliament is crucial to ensure a balanced political landscape in Singapore.
“Singaporeans expect the Workers’ Party to hold the government to account,” he said. “We are better off with a strong opposition. Not just the Workers’ Party, but opposition in general.”
Singh reaffirmed that WP would continue its work in the Town Councils and focus on advancing policies that reflect the party’s commitment to the people. “We will continue to work hard to encourage good Singaporeans to come forward and be part of the balancing force in Singapore’s interest,” he concluded.
In the wake of these resignations, WP now faces the difficult task of restoring its reputation while upholding its values of integrity and accountability. As the party moves forward, it will be crucial for its leadership to demonstrate a commitment to transparency, discipline, and the trust of Singaporeans. Only time will tell how these events will shape the political landscape in Singapore.
