How does the prosecution challenge Singh’s claim he advised Khan to correct the record?

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Prosecution Alleges Pritam Singh Instructed Raeesah Khan to Maintain Falsehood

The prosecution contends that Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh did not advise former MP Raeesah Khan to correct her false statements in Parliament, but rather instructed her to maintain her untruth. This assertion is central to the charges Singh faces under the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act, with the prosecution arguing his testimony to the Committee of Privileges was a deliberate deception.
Contradictory Instructions Alleged

Deputy Attorney-General Ang Cheng Hock presented the prosecution's case, stating that Singh met with Khan on August 8 and October 3, 2021, during which he allegedly told her she could continue with her fabricated account. Khan had previously misled Parliament on August 3 and October 4, 2021, by falsely claiming she had accompanied a sexual assault victim to a police station. The prosecution argues that Singh's guidance on these dates, particularly on October 3, was to maintain the untruth, suggesting an intent to "take the matter to the grave."
Delayed Clarification and Witness Testimony

The prosecution plans to call Low Thia Khiang and Raeesah Khan as key witnesses to support their claims. Ang highlighted that Singh's alleged instructions to Khan conveyed an impression that she could maintain her lie without judgment, despite Singh's legal and political experience. It was only after a meeting with Mr Low Thia Khiang on October 11, 2021, where clarification was advised, that Singh and WP chairwoman Sylvia Lim informed Khan she must correct her false statements.
Discrepancy Between Testimony and Actions

Singh's initial testimony to the Committee of Privileges indicated he encouraged Khan to correct the record. However, the prosecution asserts that Singh's actions between August 8 and October 3, 2021, did not align with this statement, as there was no discussion about clarifying the untruth during that period. Preparations for Khan's eventual clarification, which occurred on November 1, 2021, only began after the October 11 meeting, according to the prosecution.
Potential Penalties and Trial Duration

The trial, which is expected to last 16 days, sees Pritam Singh facing two charges. If convicted, he could be liable for a fine of up to $7,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both, for each charge. The Committee of Privileges' hearings took place in December 2021, with its findings debated in Parliament in February 2022, leading to Singh's referral to the public prosecutor.

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How does the prosecution challenge Singh’s claim he advised Khan to correct the record?

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