The Committee of Privileges hearing on 22 December 2021 focused on the testimony of Ms. Raeesah Khan, a former Workers’ Party (WP) Member of Parliament (MP). The inquiry was launched after she admitted to lying in Parliament on August 3, 2021, about accompanying a sexual assault victim to the police station and accusing officers of mishandling the case. This false statement became a significant issue when she later confessed that she had not been present and fabricated the details to strengthen her argument in the debate on women’s issues.
During the hearing, Ms. Khan confirmed that she had shared the truth with WP leaders Pritam Singh, Sylvia Lim, and Faisal Manap shortly after the lie was made. However, it took several months before she clarified the situation in Parliament, during which time the party leadership did not take action to address the falsehood. The Committee examined whether Ms. Khan acted alone or under the influence of party leaders.
Advantages of the Hearing:
- Transparency: The hearing highlighted the importance of accountability for MPs, helping maintain public trust in the integrity of Parliament.
- Clarification: The inquiry provided a detailed timeline of events, offering clarity on the internal dynamics within the Workers’ Party.
- Due Process: The hearing followed formal procedures to ensure that both Ms. Khan and the WP leaders had the opportunity to explain their roles, upholding fairness.
Disadvantages of the Hearing:
- Political Fallout: The hearing placed the Workers’ Party under intense scrutiny, potentially damaging its reputation and creating political tensions.
- Focus on WP Leadership: Some critics argue that too much focus was placed on WP leaders, potentially overshadowing broader issues such as the handling of false statements in Parliament in general.
- Prolonged Media Coverage: The extensive coverage of the hearing may have drawn attention away from other significant national issues, diverting public discourse.
