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Alas, Pritam should have let the dead dog rest in peace.
I am surprised that he is trying to take his case to the High Court. What is his reasoning? His case is similar to Iswaran’s case.
After hearing submissions from his lawyers yesterday, Justice Hoo will deliver his verdict on September 9.
I think this is a relatively simple case. Did he lie to the COP? Did he tell her to bury the lie in her grave, or confess to Parliament?
I think people can distinguish between his case and Iswaran’s case. I will let you discern for yourself the differences that Deputy Attorney General Ang Cheng Hock has argued.
As Leader of the Opposition, he was admired for substance rather than effect, especially at times like this. There is no doubt that he dedicated his life to making Singapore a better, fairer and wiser place.
He is our other voice, and the political history of this little red dot will remember everything he and his team, especially his mentor Liu Chengqiang, have done.
We are imperfect and will always have flaws. But the problem is not admitting that. We say it to polish our image of humility.
The problem, in contrast, concerns the degree of our deficiencies compared with others, especially when the object of comparison is our rival, as in a campaign, an election, or a school test. In other words, it involves degree and comparison.
It was a contest, a contest of egos hidden behind the hem of humility.
But isn’t that the true test of character, politician or otherwise? In the crucible of character building, do you speak your mind or do you use it to dig deeper into yourself?
Whether Pritam lied or not, let the court decide. Most of us may have made up our minds, including me, but I don’t think it’s necessary to take a public stand at a higher level.
I really feel that cases like this can be resolved as carefully as possible in the lower courts. Why fan the flames of an election when that fire could be better used elsewhere to have a deeper, more lasting impact?
Pritam claimed in his affidavit that his case “would benefit from the position of a High Court judge”. “According to him, High Court judges have security of tenure and are best suited to hear his case without being affected by the political atmosphere surrounding his case,” the report said.
I think he’s exaggerating this. His case will be heard by a fairly competent judge in the state court. Whether or not a high court judge has security of tenure is not what keeps them impartial. People can benefit from their experience, but this is not a case that a state court judge cannot handle.
We don’t live in a dictatorship, even though some people might think I’m being naive. Well, sometimes it’s better to be naive than to be overly paranoid.
The trial will last for 16 days to find out whether he lied or not. Therefore, Pritam has enough space to present his evidence fully.
Every accused has the right to be heard so that justice is not only served, but also recognized. But let’s be honest, sometimes, perception matters more than outcome; the shadows are greater than the light. That’s why sometimes the outcome isn’t always seen as fair, even when it really is.
Honestly, that should be the end of it. If he wants to appeal, then he can. The Supreme Court will hear the case, and it’s another chance for the judiciary.
After that, let us move on – closing a checkered chapter in his illustrious political career and moving on to the next, more fruitful one.
He at least acknowledged that he should have been quicker to expose Resa’s lies to parliament, but explained that he was sensitive to Resa’s past experience as a victim.
Having said so much, let me end with the farewell speeches of former Workers’ Party members Loh Pei Ying and Yudhishthura Nathan.
“We have both been members of the Party for more than nine years, and became cadres in 2016. Over the years, we have loved the Party deeply and have made positive contributions in many teams and departments, including at the grassroots level and in strategic positions.”
“We miss our time in the Workers’ Party. We made lifelong friends with each other and others along the way.
“There are many good people in the Workers’ Party who have dedicated their lives to building a better Singapore. We hope they remember that the well-being of Singaporeans is at the centre of everything they do.”
They have a point. This has always been the Workers’ Party’s focus. Committed to improving Singapore. It’s a good reminder at a time like this.
Michael Han
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