Singapore Workers’ Party Town Councillors Launch Fund‑Raising Mission Amid Big Legal Hurdles
Ever imagined a political team breaking into the bank because of a lawsuit? Not exactly, but that’s the drama unfolding for a handful of Workers’ Party (WP) town councillors who now need more than just political savvy—they need your cash.
Spilling the Beans on the Legal Town‑Crier
Three WP leaders—Sylvia Lim (Chairman), Pritam Singh (Secretary‑General), and Low Thia Khiang (former chief)—touted their fight against a multimillion‑dollar civil suit on their blog In Good Faith. They claim the suit centers on alleged improper payments totaling $33.7 million, split between two cases brought by Aljunied‑Hougang and Pasir Ris‑Punggol Town Councils.
The independent panel in Aljunied‑Hougang has since mandated the parties to repay what was deemed “improper.” Meanwhile, a senior counsel from Tan, Rajah & Cheah, Chelva Rajah, is representing the trio in the High Court. The trial commenced on 5 Oct and is slated to run until 2 Nov.
Where Are the Funds Going?
These councillors have already spent $600,000 on legal fees—money that has taken a heavy toll on their personal savings and the generosity of friends. They are clear, “No WP Party funds were touched.” Their unofficial status as “public money” has been put under a microscope by the courts.
Bankruptcy: The Real Risk
Should the panel rule on the claim and the councillors find themselves unable to pay, the stakes are high. A judgment could trigger bankruptcy, strip them of personal assets, and even cost their parliamentary seats. The WP executives fear the worst: bankruptcy and a loss of political standing.
Time to Step Up—Or Your Wallet
With stakes that match their personal fortunes, the trio has mobilized a public fund‑raising campaign. They are accepting:
- Bank transfers
- Cheques
- PayNow via Ms Lim’s account
In their appeal, the councillors said:
“We have acted in good faith, believing all was in our residents’ best interests. Our claim is solid—yet we still need your support. If we lose, and can’t meet the required payments, we risk bankruptcy. That’s why we’re reaching out to you.”
They also requested that donors provide an email address to ensure a heartfelt thank‑you loop.
What This Means in Plain English
In essence, the WP team is wrestling with a double‑edged legal sword. They’re fighting to protect their names and their constituency; meanwhile, they are counting on your generosity to keep their legal resources afloat. Whether you’re a walking supporter or a curious passerby, the message is clear: “Help us keep our fight going or risk losing our seats and facing tough financial consequences.”
For more details on the lawsuit timeline or how to contribute, check out the original story published in The Straits Times—just remember, dissemination requires permission.
