After GE 2020, Workers Party won 10 seats in parliament. Given the significant number, PM Lee declared that the "Leader of the Opposition" role would be created for Pritam Singh.
How well has he done so far? To evaluate this, we should first look at what the role entails. Besides his duty to lead and guide the Opposition, Pritam also gained the following benefits:
LOTO can talk more
Respond first among MPs in parliament
Ask the lead question to ministers in parliament
Receive confidential briefings by the Government on "select matters" of national security and foreign affairs
Get double the time for his speeches, equivalent to that of ministers
LOTO can earn more
Double the MP allowance, i.e. $385,000/year
Additional allowance to hire up to three additional assistants
Office and meeting room in Parliament House
Has Pritam done well as LOTO?
Guidance and Leadership: 2/10
Few would agree that the opposition has become more unified or more constructive in their approach to politics. An unfortunate example is this guy.
Speech: 5/10
Pritam has indeed been talking more and asking more in Parliament, but from the frequent calls of PAP-lite and populism, it remains unclear if the opposition has really defined its place in Singapore's politics yet.
Spending: 8/10
Pritam voluntarily donated 50% of his additional salary towards funding programmes for residents, his party's specific needs, and charitable causes. That is worth applauding.
Overall: 15/30
Pritam was given great power, but has he handled it with great responsibility? The findings from the perjury hearing will shed more light on Pritam.
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