AGC urges public to avoid ‘baseless claims’ against judiciary after WP chief Pritam Singh’s conviction

The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has urged the public to avoid making baseless claims against the judiciary or prosecution, after the court issued its verdict on Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh’s case.

In a statement on Feb 17, the AGC said that while it respects the public’s right to comment on court decisions, “intentionally publishing comments with unfounded allegations and making suggestions of partiality against the judiciary may constitute contempt of court”.

The AGC released the statement hours after Singh was convicted of lying under oath to a parliamentary committee. He has been fined $7,000 for each of his two charges – a total of $14,000.

The prosecution takes its mission to uphold the rule of law seriously, regardless of an accused person’s status or position, the AGC said.

It noted that “there have been several cases in the past where prominent political figures have been prosecuted, including a recent case involving a former minister”.

Former transport minister S. Iswaran was handed a 12-month jail term on Oct 3, 2024, in a landmark case. He had earlier pleaded guilty to five charges – four for obtaining valuable items as a public servant and one for obstructing the course of justice.

The AGC called on the public to “engage in constructive discussions while respecting the legal process and the principles of justice that underpin our nation”.

Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.

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