Worker’s Party Admits as Fact that the Singapore Judiciary is Independent

Worker’s Party (WP) admits as fact that the Singapore Judiciary is Independent ...

The issue judicial independence was raised in parliament on 4 November 2014. This was in response to the government’s decision to amend the Constitution to pave the way for the short-term rehiring of retired judges as Senior Judges.

 

In their opposition to the amendments, opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) Pritam Singh and  Sylvia Lim (both practicing lawyers) admitted as fact that the Singapore judiciary is independent from government interference. In so doing, the Workers’ Party has conceded a fundamental proposition of all anti-government supporters that the People’s Action Party (PAP) has unfretted powers to do as they please.

 

With the judiciary acting as a check and balance, the PAP regardless of their intentions has to play by the rules. If the PAP is in breach of any laws, then the PAP and its members will be held accountable.

 

Many have wondered why opposition parties like the Worker’s Party, the National Solidarity Party and the Singapore Democratic Party have remained conspicuously silent on the defamation suit by Mr Lee Hsien Loong against Roy Ngerng. This is because, the opposition parties know that the judiciary will remain impartial and rule according to the laws of the land. The fact that Mr Lee is the Prime Minister is a moot point as the law will be interpreted fairly.