Background:

Pritam is the founder of Opinion Asia (www.opinionasia.com), an online commentary syndicate with a focus on Asian issues. He won the Straits Steamship Prize, awarded to the top graduating student reading both History and Political Science, as an undergraduate at the National University of Singapore in 1999. A 2003 Chevening Scholar, he is currently a Juris Doctor candidate at the Singapore Management University.

Pritam is an NSman with the rank of Captain, and a Combat Engineer by vocation.” He also has a Diploma in Islamic Studies (by correspondence) from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). He blogs at http://singapore2025.wordpress.com.

Pritam is attuned to the economic and social well-being of blue-collar workers and less well-off Singaporeans, having been posted to the normal stream after his PSLE examinations. To this end, along with his WP colleagues, Pritam intends to contribute to Singapore through public service.

Pritam was attracted to the WP because of the able leadership of both its Chairman Ms Sylvia Lim, and Secretary-General and MP for Hougang, Mr Low Thia Khiang. In trying circumstances, both have sought to provide credible opposition to the PAP in parliament.

In between juggling his studies and work, Pritam works with the WP Youth Wing to engage young Singaporeans.

Philosophy:

Pritam feels Singaporeans must take ownership of their country by participating actively in the processes behind policy-making and nation-building. A large part of this entails thinking and speaking openly and freely, while continuing to respect the multi-racial and multi-religious pillars of Singapore.

Pritam believes that a system of checks and balances, transparency and accountability will improve standards of governance in Singapore and strengthen our national fabric.

He is convinced that a vote for the Workers’ Party best represents the answer to a more sizeable and worthy opposition presence in parliament in the future. Like his party colleagues, Pritam looks forward to serving Singapore and Singaporeans.