WP chair challenges Dr Syed Harun on integrity during debate on Pritam Singh’s role

SINGAPORE: A parliamentary debate on 14 January 2026 over the role of Pritam Singh as Leader of the Opposition featured a pointed exchange on integrity between Workers’ Party chairwoman Sylvia Lim and Senior Parliamentary Secretary Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi.

The debate took place during a motion concerning Mr Singh’s conduct and its implications for Parliament and public confidence in Singapore’s political system.

Speaking during the debate, Dr Syed Harun emphasised that the Leader of the Opposition must be held to the highest ethical standards, arguing that Mr Singh had fallen short in responsibility and leadership.

He said it was “imperative” for the Leader of the Opposition to conduct himself with honour and integrity, not only personally but also in respect of the office he holds and the institution of Parliament.

Dr Syed Harun acknowledged that some might see such expectations as an excessively high bar, but argued that they were necessary to preserve the sanctity of parliamentary proceedings.

He stressed that there should be “no inch at all to give” on honesty and integrity within Singapore’s parliamentary and political system, regardless of political affiliation.

According to Dr Syed Harun, the episode raised serious concerns about the integrity of institutions and the example set for future generations, particularly younger parliamentarians and Singaporeans observing their leaders.

He said leadership required prompt and honest accountability when mistakes occurred, noting that public confidence in Parliament depended on clear standards of truthfulness and responsibility.

Following his remarks, Ms Lim rose to challenge Dr Syed Harun directly, questioning how he viewed his own position on integrity.

She referred to his appointment as an NMP in 2023, noting that the role was premised on non-partisanship and an expectation that the full term would be served.

Ms Lim pointed out that Dr Syed Harun had resigned from the NMP post before completing his term and subsequently prepared to contest the 2025 General Election as a party candidate.

"Does he see any issue with that in terms of integrity and institutions? " Lim questioned.

In response, Dr Syed Harun said the matter was not relevant to the motion under debate and noted that the circumstances of his resignation were already a matter of public record.

Speaker Seah Kian Peng intervened, stating that Ms Lim was free to table a separate motion if she wished to discuss the issue, but that it was not appropriate within the current debate.

Ms Lim replied, "Speaker, it's not my intention. It's just in response to his (Dr Syed Harun) lecture on integrity. "

Dr Syed Harun then reiterated that he disagreed unequivocally with any suggestion that his integrity was in question.

"I disagree unequivocally with regards to any questions of my integrity about what has happened in the past."

"At the time when I was an nominated member of parliament, very clearly I was nonpartisan. And at this point of time, I'm quite clear in terms of my thoughts about integrity," Dr Syed Harun said.

Dr Syed Harun defended he was "absolutely" independent suring his time as NMP

Dr Syed Harun was one of two NMPs, alongside lawyer Raj Joshua Thomas, who resigned from their posts ahead of the 2025 General Election.

Dr Syed Harun later contested and won a seat in Nee Soon GRC and currently serves as Senior Parliamentary Secretary in the ministries of Education and National Development.

Raj Joshua Thomas, who also resigned before completing his NMP term, did not contest the election.

The NMP scheme, introduced in 1990, was designed to bring independent and non-partisan perspectives into Parliament without political party affiliation.

As such, the early resignations of NMPs who later became associated with political parties have raised broader public questions about whether such appointments are genuinely non-partisan.

In an interview with media in April 2025, Dr Syed Harun defended his decision, saying he was “absolutely” independent during his time as an NMP, according to the interview.

He said joining a political party was the “last thing” on his mind when he first took on the role, and that he had given his best in Parliament by writing his own speeches and speaking from conviction.

Dr Syed Harun added that he chose to resign once he began seriously considering a move into politics, so as not to conflict with the expectations of the NMP role.

He said that after resigning, he took time to understand the People’s Action Party and its work on the ground before deciding to join.

Responding to criticism, he said his resignation and subsequent political involvement were motivated by a desire to serve Singapore and Singaporeans at a deeper level, rather than diminishing his commitment to public service.