Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has formally acknowledged Pritam Singh, secretary-general of the Workers' Party (WP), as the official Leader of the Opposition, during a press conference held after the election was concluded.

The Leader of the Opposition refers to the politician who leads the largest opposition political party, although previously Pritam had not been officially recognised as such.

PM Lee personally called Pritam to congratulate him

The final results for the 2020 General Election are all in, and the People's Action Party (PAP) has once again secured a supermajority in Parliament, with a total of 83 seats.

The Workers' Party (WP), on the other hand, managed to clinch 10 seats outright, claiming the new Sengkang GRC, while holding on to Hougang SMC and Aljunied GRC.

According to PM Lee, the election results show a "clear desire for diversity of voices in Parliament", and that "younger voters also want to see more opposition presence in Parliament."

PM Lee said that the next Parliament will have 10 elected MPs from WP, and that he looked forward to them participating and contributing to the debate in Parliament.

Political observer Derek da Cunha also commented on the matter:

Called Pritam to congratulate him

He personally called Pritam to congratulate him and WP for their strong performance, and formally acknowledged him as the Leader of the Opposition.

"I told Mr Singh that with 10 MPs, I think it is right that he, the Workers' Party leader, be formally designated as the Leader of the Opposition, and that he will be provided with appropriate staff support and resources to perform his duties," said PM Lee.

He also applauded the PAP's team's efforts, praising them for the work they have done.

"Naturally, I am disappointed that the PAP lost Sengkang GRC. Ng Chee Meng and his team, Lam Pin Min, Amrin Amin and Raymond Lye, always knew it was going to be a tough fight. They gave it their all, but Sengkang voters have spoken, and we respect their decision," he said.

Top image via PAP/FB, Workers' Party/FB.