The Workers Party (WP), the sole opposition in Singapore’s new Parliament, is once again under criticism from the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP)—this time over an interview conducted in Malaysia. The PAP raised concerns after WP leader Pritam Singh appeared on a Malaysian podcast to discuss Singapore’s political landscape. According to the ruling party, political matters should be debated and resolved within Singapore, by Singaporeans.
This controversy follows similar allegations made during the last general election, when the PAP accused WP leaders of ties to Malaysian Islamist groups—an attempt to cast doubt on the party’s credibility. The WP has firmly denied any such connections.
The Controversial podcast
Workers Party (WP) leader Pritam Singh recently made his first appearance on Keluar Sekejap, the popular Malaysian podcast hosted by former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and former UMNO information chief Shahril Hamdan. The nearly two‑hour episode, recorded while Singh was on a family holiday in Malaysia, went live on YouTube on 24 June. During the conversation Singh discussed the WP’s strategy in the recent General Election and the party’s role as a parliamentary check on the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). He also stressed that today’s electorate expects an effective counterbalance to one‑party dominance.
The PAP did not welcome the interview well, and criticized Singh for choosing a foreign platform for what was, in effect, his most extensive post‑election interview. In a statement the ruling party argued that Singapore’s domestic issues should be aired and settled inside the country, not on foreign soil. The PAP also revived the principle long championed by former opposition stalwart Chiam See Tong, who urged politicians to remain patriotic and avoid denouncing Singapore abroad.
In its response the WP said local reaction to the podcast had been positive, demonstrating that an opposition politician can speak candidly about national affairs without attacking the nation. The party also noted that PAP ministers frequently grant interviews to international outlets and that several of those appearances have gone viral to the PAP’s benefit. WP members added that some PAP figures even posed for photos with Khairy while he was in Singapore, and one PAP member praised Singh’s performance on the show. These gestures, the WP argued, show that the podcast caused no harm to Singapore’s interests.
The PAP countered late that night, reiterating that while ministers do speak to foreign media on a broad range of topics, Singh’s interview focused almost exclusively on Singapore’s internal politics and came after he had declined invitations from local podcasters.
PAP’s effort to discredit WP
The People’s Action Party (PAP), which has long positioned itself as guardian of Singapore’s multiracial harmony, routinely warns voters that supporting any other party could jeopardise social stability. Now, as the Workers Party (WP) strengthens its role as the sole opposition with a stable parliamentary presence, PAP leaders have stepped up efforts to portray the WP as a threat to that harmony.
Central to PAP’s attacks is the WP’s contact with Noor Deros, a Singaporean Islamist preacher based in Malaysia whose views run counter to Singapore’s commitment to religious moderation. During the recent general election, authorities cited the risk of foreign interference and blocked Facebook posts from three users, one of whom had shared Noor’s content. Noor claimed online that he had spoken with all WP Malay candidates and that the party agreed to champion Malay‑Muslim concerns—claims that heightened anxiety about cross‑border religious influence.
It further noted that politicians from Malaysia’s Islamist party PAS endorsed WP candidates online. PAP leaders said Pritam Singh stayed silent until the Government condemned those endorsements and even then failed to answer key questions.
For its part, the WP has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to Singapore’s secular, multiracial society and denied making promises in exchange for support. Pritam Singh maintains that the WP cannot succeed by playing the race‑or‑religion card.
Despite the WP’s repeated reassurances, the PAP remains intent on advancing its line of attack. Critics argue that by spotlighting alleged foreign links and Islamist support, the ruling party is casting doubt on its commitment to fair and principled engagement with the opposition.
