Pritam Singh trial: Judge calls on Workers’ Party leader to speak in his defense

The prosecution, led by Deputy Attorney General Ang Cheng Hock, finished his job over nine days during the first part of the hearing in October.

Four witnesses testified in favor of the prosecution: Ms. Khan herself, WP employees. Lo Pei Ying And Yudhishtra NathanAnd former WP general secretary Low Thia Khiang. The prosecution did not call its last witness, the investigator, because both sides agreed on a number of relevant facts.

The defense, led by defense attorney Andre Jumabhoy, also completed cross-examination of each witness. Mr. Jumabhoy had repeatedly tried to question Ms Khan’s authority pointing out inconsistencies in her testimony. He also described the former WP member as a liar who lied “non-stop”.

As for the two WP members, Mr. Jumabhoy tried to poke holes in their evidence by pointing out contradictions in their testimony.

At the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, the defense stated that it would file written statements arguing that the defense had no case to answer on the first charge, but not on the second. He later filed written statements arguing that Singh had no case to answer to both charges.

Judge Tan also asked both sides to weigh in on the allegations against Singh. He noted that some of the words in the allegations could not be found in the excerpts from Singh’s conversation before the CC.

In its written submissions, the prosecution said there was no need to amend the current charges and asked the court to summon Singh for defence. However, he offered to make amendments if the court deems it necessary to change the charges.

After reading submissions from both sides, Judge Tan agreed with the prosecution that the current charges satisfied the requirements set out in law and that no amendment was required.

The judge then invited Singh to testify.

The second stage of the trial will last until November 13.

For each charge, Singh faces up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to S$7,000, or both.