Workers’ Party Plans Special Cadre Conference Following Leadership Questions

In Singapore, the Workers’ Party (WP) has announced that its cadres have requested a special conference to discuss pressing issues concerning the party, with plans for the Central Executive Committee (CEC) to address this request. This announcement follows the recent conviction of party secretary-general Pritam Singh for misleading a parliamentary committee, a matter expected to be brought up in Parliament on January 12 next year.

Reports indicate that over 20 party cadres have signed a letter urging for this special conference to take place in February, suggesting that Singh’s position as party leader may be one of the key topics on the agenda. In a statement shared on social media, the WP confirmed the receipt of the request, highlighting that Party Chair Sylvia Lim acknowledged the communication from the cadres.

According to the party’s constitution, a Special Cadre Members’ Conference can be convened by the chair, the CEC, or upon request from at least 10% of the cadre membership, which translates to a minimum of 20 individuals. With approximately 100 active cadres—party members with voting rights—the current number of signatories meets the constitutional requirement.

The Workers’ Party expressed its commitment to follow up on the request in line with its constitutional guidelines. Meanwhile, insiders reveal that the CEC itself is set to meet on January 2. This session will be a deviation from their usual schedule, which typically sees monthly meetings on the first Tuesday.

Notably, members and supporters of the party have requested anonymity due to internal policies that prevent them from discussing party matters publicly without permission.

Exploring the Party’s Disciplinary Process

Former cadre members have noted that significant issues like Singh’s conviction would necessitate convening the CEC. There is speculation that either Party Chair Sylvia Lim or a sufficient number of CEC members could call for an extraordinary meeting to deliberate on Singh’s situation, mirroring past proceedings involving figures like ex-MP Leon Perera.

While the party has indicated that an internal process is under way, there are multiple avenues that this could take. One possibility includes a straightforward deliberation within the CEC, culminating in a vote. Alternatively, a more extensive approach could involve establishing a disciplinary committee, similar to how matters concerning other members, such as Raeesah Khan, were handled. This approach is deemed more thorough, allowing for a wider member feedback process, according to former cadres.

The internal disciplinary protocols, ushered in by Singh’s predecessor, aimed to reinforce the CEC’s standing as the party’s highest authority, ensuring that all processes maintained integrity and transparency.