Inconsistencies in statements dominate cross-examination during Workers’ Party chief’s legal proceedings
The credibility of former Sengkang GRC MP Raeesah Khan remained a focal point during cross-examination on the third day of Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh’s trial. Singh’s lawyer, Mr. Andre Jumabhoy, highlighted discrepancies in Ms. Khan’s statements to the police, the Committee of Privileges, and her court testimony, arguing for her impeachment as a witness.
Key Allegations and Defense Points
Contradictions in Statements:
On May 12, 2022, Ms. Khan told police that Singh had said on Oct 3, 2021, he would not judge her if she maintained her false narrative.
During the trial, she claimed Singh had told her he did not expect the issue to resurface but would not judge her if it did.
Text Message Evidence:
Ms. Khan texted Singh on Oct 4, 2021, asking, “What should I do pritam,” after being questioned in Parliament. The defense argued this contradicted her claim that Singh supported her lie, suggesting she was waiting for guidance instead.
Intentions in September 2021:
Ms. Khan testified she did not consider revealing the truth then, believing the matter had been dropped.
Earlier evidence showed she might have contemplated coming clean but missed Parliament due to illness.
Prosecution’s Response
Deputy Attorney-General Ang Cheng Hock argued that omissions or minor differences do not constitute material discrepancies. He maintained that Ms. Khan’s testimony aligns with her earlier evidence when considered holistically.
Judge’s Ruling
Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan found no significant contradictions in Ms. Khan’s statements, rejecting the defense’s impeachment applications.
Conclusion of Cross-Examination
Mr. Jumabhoy concluded by asserting that WP leaders never instructed Ms. Khan to “take her lie to the grave” during their August 2021 meeting, as she claimed. Ms. Khan disagreed, reaffirming her testimony.
Next Steps
The prosecution is set to conclude its re-examination of Ms. Khan on Oct 17, followed by testimony from former WP cadre Ms. Loh Pei Ying.
