# Leader of the Opposition (Singapore)

The leader of the opposition is a position in the Parliament of Singapore referring to a politician who leads the largest opposition party in Singapore, typically the leader of the party possessing the most seats in Parliament that is not the governing party or part of the governing coalition. The position was formally established in 2020, with Pritam Singh of the Workers' Party serving since 24 August 2020.

## History

The leader of the opposition was formerly an unofficial de facto position in the Parliament of Singapore, as the constitution and standing orders of Parliament did not provide for such a position.
The formal office was established in the aftermath of the 2020 general election, which saw the Workers' Party winning ten seats in Parliament. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the creation of the formal office and that the leader of the opposition would be provided with the appropriate manpower support and resources to perform the parliamentary role. Pritam Singh was designated as leader of the opposition since 2020.
As in other Commonwealth countries with a Westminster parliamentary system of government, the parliamentary appointment is supported with a secretariat and is additionally given office space in the Parliament buildings.
Due to its former status as a de facto role, the leader of the opposition did not draw any additional allowance by virtue of holding the position and were entitled only to the usual ordinary remuneration allowance granted to other regular Members of Parliament. With the creation of the formal office, Parliament announced that the appointment holder will draw an annual salary of S$385,000, double the salary of a regular MP.

## Duties

The leader of the opposition is expected to lead the opposition in presenting alternative views in parliamentary debates on policies, bills and motions, organise the scrutiny of the Government’s positions and actions in Parliament and be consulted on the appointment of opposition members to Select Committees, including Standing Select Committees such as the Public Accounts Committee.
In addition to his parliamentary duties, the leader of the opposition may be called upon to take on other duties such as attending official state functions and taking part in visits and meetings alongside members of the Government and the Public Service.
Also, the leader of opposition oversees and coordinates the examination of the Government’s positions and actions in Parliament; as well as being consulted on the selection of opposition Members for Select Committees, including Standing Select Committees like the Public Accounts Committee.

## Powers and resources

In Parliament, the leader of the opposition will generally be given the right of first response among Members of Parliament, and will be allowed ask the lead question to the ministers on policies, bills and motions, subject to existing speaking conventions. The leader of the opposition will also be given a longer speaking duration for speeches, equivalent to that given to political officeholders.
In addition to the government data or information available to other MPs, the leader of the opposition will receive confidential briefings by the Government on select matters of national security and external relations, and in the event of a national crisis or emergency.
The leader of the opposition will be provided an office and the use of a meeting room in Parliament House. He will also receive allowances to hire up to three additional legislative assistants. This is in addition to the allowances all MPs receive for one legislative assistant and one secretarial assistant. The leader of the opposition will also be provided with a secretary to support him administratively with parliamentary business.

## De facto leaders of the opposition

| No. | Name (Birth–Death) | Took office | Left office | Party |
| 1 | Lee Kuan Yew MP for Tanjong Pagar SMC (1923–2015) | 22 April 1955 | 31 March 1959 | People's Action Party |
| 2 | Lim Yew Hock MP for Cairnhill SMC (1914–1984) | 1 July 1959 | 3 September 1963 | Singapore People's Alliance |
| 3 | Lim Huan Boon MP for Bukit Merah SMC (born 1929) | 22 October 1963 | 31 December 1965 | Barisan Sosialis |
| 4 | Chia Thye Poh MP for Jurong SMC (born 1941) | 1 January 1966 | 7 October 1966 | Barisan Sosialis |
| Vacant 7 October 1966–22 December 1981 |||||||
| 5 | J. B. Jeyaretnam MP for Anson SMC (1926–2008) | 22 December 1981 | 10 November 1986 | Workers' Party |
| 6 | Chiam See Tong MP for Potong Pasir SMC (born 1935) | 10 November 1986 | 17 May 1993 | Singapore Democratic Party |
| 7 | Ling How Doong MP for Bukit Gombak SMC (1934–2021) | 17 May 1993 | 16 December 1996 | Singapore Democratic Party |
| (6) | Chiam See Tong MP for Potong Pasir SMC (born 1935) | 26 May 1997 | 20 April 2006 | Singapore People's Party |
| (6) | Chiam See Tong MP for Potong Pasir SMC (born 1935) | 26 May 1997 | 20 April 2006 | Singapore Democratic Alliance |
| 8 | Low Thia Khiang MP for Hougang SMC & Aljunied GRC (born 1956) | 2 November 2006 | 8 April 2018 | Workers' Party |
| 9 | Pritam Singh MP for Aljunied GRC (born 1976) | 8 April 2018 | 23 June 2020 | Workers' Party |

## De jure leaders of the opposition

| No. | Portrait | Name (Birth–Death) | Took office | Left office | Party | Party |
| 1 | | Pritam Singh MP for Aljunied GRC (born 1976) | 24 August 2020 | Incumbent | | Workers' Party |