Leader of the Opposition (Singapore)

The leader of the opposition is a position in the Parliament of Singapore referring to a politician who leads the largest opposition party in Singapore, typically the leader of the party possessing the most seats in Parliament that is not the governing party or part of the governing coalition.[3] The position was formally established in 2020, with Pritam Singh from the Worker's Party since 24 August 2020.[4]

Leader of the Opposition of Singapore
Incumbent
Pritam Singh
since 24 August 2020[1]
Parliament of Singapore
Style
AbbreviationLO[2]
AppointerPrime Minister of Singapore
Term lengthNo term limit
Inaugural holderLee Kuan Yew (de facto)
Pritam Singh (de jure)
Formation22 April 1955; 69 years ago (1955-04-22) (de facto)
24 August 2020; 4 years ago (2020-08-24) (de jure)
SalaryS$385,000 annually
(including S$192,500 MP salary)

History

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The leader of the opposition was formerly an unofficial de facto position in the Parliament of Singapore, as the constitution and standing orders of Parliament did not provide for such a position.[5]

The formal office was established in the aftermath of the 2020 general election, which saw the Worker's Party winning ten seats in Parliament. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the creation of the formal office and that the leader of the opposition would be provided with the appropriate manpower support and resources [6][7] to perform the parliamentary role. Pritam Singh was designated as leader of the opposition since 2020. [8][9]

As in other Commonwealth countries with a Westminster parliamentary system of government, the parliamentary appointment is supported with a secretariat and is additionally given office space in the Parliament buildings.[3]

Due to its former status as a de facto role, the leader of the opposition did not draw any additional allowance by virtue of holding the position and were entitled only to the usual ordinary remuneration allowance granted to other regular Members of Parliament. With the creation of the formal office, Parliament announced that the appointment holder will draw an annual salary of S$385,000, double the salary of a regular MP.[5][10]

Duties

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The leader of the opposition is expected to lead the opposition in presenting alternative views in parliamentary debates on policies, bills and motions, and organise the scrutiny of the Government’s positions and actions in Parliament and be consulted on the appointment of opposition members to Select Committees, including Standing Select Committees such as the Public Accounts Committee.

In addition to his parliamentary duties, the leader of the opposition may be called upon to take on other duties such as attending official state functions and taking part in visits and meetings alongside members of the Government and the Public Service.[11]

Powers and resources

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In Parliament, the leader of the opposition will generally be given the right of first response among Members of Parliament, and will be allowed ask the lead question to the ministers on policies, bills and motions, subject to existing speaking conventions. The leader of the opposition will also be given a longer speaking duration for speeches, equivalent to that given to political officeholders.[11]

In addition to the government data or information available to other MPs, the leader of the opposition will receive confidential briefings by the Government on select matters of national security and external relations, and in the event of a national crisis or emergency.[11]

The leader of the opposition will be provided an office and the use of a meeting room in Parliament House.[11] He will also receive allowances to hire up to three additional legislative assistants. This is in addition to the allowances all MPs receive for one legislative assistant and one secretarial assistant. The leader of the opposition will also be provided with a secretary to support him administratively with parliamentary business.[11]

De facto leaders of the opposition

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No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Took office Left office Party
1   Lee Kuan Yew
MP for Tanjong Pagar SMC
(1923–2015)
22 April
1955
31 March
1959
People's Action Party
2 Lim Yew Hock
MP for Cairnhill SMC
(1914–1984)
1 July
1959
3 September
1963
Singapore People's Alliance
3 Lim Huan Boon
MP for Bukit Merah SMC
(born 1929)
22 October
1963
31 December
1965
Barisan Sosialis
4 Chia Thye Poh
MP for Jurong SMC
(born 1941)
1 January
1966
7 October
1966
Barisan Sosialis
Vacant
7 October 1966–22 December 1981
5   J. B. Jeyaretnam
MP for Anson SMC
(1926–2008)
22 December
1981
10 November
1986
Workers' Party
6   Chiam See Tong
MP for Potong Pasir SMC
(born 1935)
10 November
1986
17 May
1993
Singapore Democratic Party
7 Ling How Doong
MP for Bukit Gombak SMC
(1934–2021)
17 May
1993
16 December
1996
Singapore Democratic Party
(6)   Chiam See Tong
MP for Potong Pasir SMC
(born 1935)
26 May
1997
20 April
2006
Singapore People's Party
Singapore Democratic Alliance
8   Low Thia Khiang
MP for Hougang SMC & Aljunied GRC
(born 1956)
2 November
2006
8 April
2018
Workers' Party
9   Pritam Singh
MP for Aljunied GRC
(born 1976)
8 April
2018
23 June
2020
Workers' Party

De jure leaders of the opposition

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No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Took office Left office Party
1   Pritam Singh
MP for Aljunied GRC
(born 1976)
24 August
2020
Incumbent Workers' Party

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Pritam Singh has served as the unofficial opposition leader since 8 April 2018 until the office was recognized in 2020.
  2. ^ Rei Kurohi (28 July 2020). "Parliament sets out duties and privileges of Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh". The Straits Times. Singapore Press Holdings. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Leader of Opposition Pritam Singh could be given access to govt data, resources but Shadow Cabinet can wait: Analysts". TODAYonline.
  4. ^ "Pritam Singh elected new WP chief, succeeding Low Thia Khiang". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from the original on 8 April 2018. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
  5. ^ a b Kurohi, Rei (28 July 2020). "Parliament sets out duties and privileges of Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh". The Straits Times.
  6. ^ "PAP's openness to sharing information will determine extent of realistic policy alternatives, says WP's Pritam Singh". The Straits Times. 18 July 2020.
  7. ^ "WP will continue to question Government, release working papers on issues affecting Singaporeans: Pritam Singh". CNA.
  8. ^ "Singapore GE2020: WP chief Pritam Singh to be named Leader of the Opposition". The Straits Times. 11 July 2020.
  9. ^ "GE2020: PAP has a 'clear mandate', but popular vote share 'not as high' as hoped: PM Lee". cna. 11 July 2020.
  10. ^ Pritam, Singh. "Opposition MPs will 'work extra hard' to put forth alternative ideas despite limitations, says Pritam Singh". TODAYonline. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
  11. ^ a b c d e "Pritam Singh to be accorded additional parliamentary privileges, double allowance as Leader of the Opposition". CNA. Retrieved 18 March 2022.