Pritam Singh, Mediacorp apologise after comments on CNA show which AGC said are in contempt of court

Singapore’s Leader of the Opposition, Pritam Singh, has apologized to the court for statements made during a television interview that were deemed potentially contemptuous. The apology comes after the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) notified Singh that his comments regarding a parliamentary committee case could be construed as undermining the judiciary.

Apology and Removal of Interview

In a Facebook post on Dec. 13, Singh, who is also the chief of the Workers’ Party (WP), stated, “I accept that my statements may be construed to be in contempt of court, including to impugn the integrity, propriety or impartiality of the court.” He added that he “wholly and unreservedly” apologizes to the court and will refrain from making similar comments in the future.

Mediacorp, the parent company of CNA, also issued an apology and removed the interview from its platforms after being informed by the AGC that it was in contempt of court.

Ministry of Law’s Response

The Ministry of Law (MinLaw) released a statement on Dec. 13, asserting that Singh’s comments were “very wrong” and had no place in a legal system based on the rule of law. The ministry reiterated a previous statement from Minister for Law Edwin Tong, emphasizing that such remarks denigrate the court’s judgment and undermine public trust in the legal system.

Background of the Case

The comments in question were made during an appearance on CNA’s “The Assembly” program on Nov. 5, a day after Singh’s appeal against his conviction was heard. The court later dismissed his appeal. During the interview, Singh stated his belief that the court of public opinion could be more significant than any court in the world.

He also referenced the May general election results as an indication of public sentiment regarding his role in the saga that led to Raeesah Khan’s resignation from Parliament in 2021 after she admitted to making a false statement in the House.

Further Condemnation and Acceptance of Judgment

MinLaw welcomed Singh’s subsequent comments, made after the dismissal of his appeal, that it is unacceptable for politicians to question the integrity of the courts. The ministry underscored the judiciary’s importance as a pillar of Singapore’s success and the need to maintain public trust in the justice system.

Mediacorp stated it accepts that the publication of the interview was in contempt of court and will avoid publishing similar content in the future.

Following the dismissal of his appeal on Dec. 4, Singh had told reporters he respected and fully accepted the court’s judgment, stating the Supreme Court is a vital part of Singapore’s constitutional framework. He also clarified that political differences with opponents would not extend to questioning the integrity of the courts or civil servants.