'No one is above the law': Edwin Tong calls Pritam Singh's court of public opinion comments outrageous & wrong

"No one should dismiss or denigrate the court's judgment or suggest that public opinion can somehow trump a court's decision," said Minister for Law Edwin Tong on Nov. 8.

This comes after comments made by Workers' Party (WP) leader Pritam Singh in an episode of CNA's "The Assembly", which features an audience of neurodivergent individuals interviewing notable personalities.

When asked about being called a "liar" in Raeesah Khan's case, Singh said it was not something he lost sleep over.

"The court of public opinion can be a bigger court than any court in the world," Singh said, pointing to WP's showing in the recent general election.

"This is an outrageous statement, plainly wrong and also completely unacceptable," Tong said in response during a media doorstop at the sidelines of a People’s Association (PA) event.

Dangerous idea

Singh went through a full and open trial and was convicted by the court for lying to a parliamentary select committee on Feb. 17.

Tong said the judge gave detailed grounds setting up the basis for the conviction and the judgment is today valid and binding.

Singh appealed against the conviction and that's his right, Tong said before adding that he will let the process run its course and not comment on the case.

He emphasised that "no one should dismiss or denigrate the court's judgment or suggest that public opinion can somehow trump a court's decision".

Doing so is a "very dangerous idea", he added, saying the rule of law is a cornerstone of Singapore's system.

Irresponsible politics have no place in Singapore

Tong also said Singh's comments risk undermining public trust in Singapore’s judicial system.

He noted that Singh appeared to suggest his case was politically motivated.

"This is the kind of response we have seen all over the world, from populist politicians who attack judges and courts when rulings go against them, they think they are above the law, but this kind of irresponsible politics should have no place in Singapore," Tong said.

He said Singh is delegitimising Singapore's courts with his comments, noting that he appeared to said it didn't matter what he does, as long as he gets elected.

"In Singapore, the courts decide cases, not on politics, but based on facts and the law," he continued.

"And no one is above the law, not the leader of the opposition, not any minister. If anyone commits an offence, they should face the law."

Tong ended by referring to Singh's appeal against his conviction and sentence, saying if he has done no wrong the court will judge and rule as such.

"But if the conviction stands, then he should accept it fully and take responsibility. There is no separate court for politicians," he said.

Top photos from CNA / YouTube and Mothership