On Tuesday, Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh firmly rejected conclusions from a parliamentary committee accusing him of guiding former Workers’ Party MP Raeesah Khan to lie in Parliament. He acknowledged giving her time to clarify her false statements, citing sympathy for her experience as a sexual assault victim.

Mr. Singh dismissed the claim that he had instructed Ms. Khan to “take her lie to the grave” and argued that her disenchantment with the party after her resignation was a more natural explanation for her behavior. He also refuted accusations of guiding her to lie again in October. Singh suggested that human behavior, particularly during career-ending moments, could explain why she might turn against party leaders.

The Committee of Privileges had recommended fining Ms. Khan $35,000 for her actions and referring Mr. Singh and WP vice-chair Faisal Manap to the Public Prosecutor for possible criminal charges. Despite the committee’s conclusions, Singh maintained his innocence and expressed his intent to clear his name through full cooperation with the Public Prosecutor if the motion passed.