Pritam Singh Spotted Reading The Newspaper While Taking The MRT, Earns Praise From Netizens

How often do you see someone reading a physical newspaper these days instead of scrolling on their phone? And even less common — how often is that person a Singapore political figure, on public transport no less?

That might explain why a photo of Aljunied GRC MP and former Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh has gone viral online.

Shared by the Wake Up SG Instagram page, the Workers’ Party (WP) chief was recently spotted on the MRT, standing with his earbuds in while reading the newspaper. The post was captioned: “A leader who walks the talk.”

The post drew an overwhelming response from Singaporean netizens, with many praising him for being “down to earth” and “a sincere leader.” 

Others also shared their own encounters with the MP in public.

“Legit saw him a few times taking public transport near City Hall most of the time. No fancy cars or chauffeurs like his political rivals,” wrote one netizen.

Another shared that they had spotted Pritam Singh at an ActiveSG gym, while a different netizen added: “You guys do know this is not his first time on the MRT right? Not every time he’s on the train people would snap photos. I saw him once too in the train on the way back home.”

Many said they appreciated that he practises what he preaches, especially when it comes to taking public transport. 

The newspaper in Pritam Singh’s hands also didn’t go unnoticed.

“Also reading [physical] newspapers is such a plus for me,” wrote one netizen, while another echoed: “And he is reading NEWSPAPER. Rare.”

Rare indeed.