[3] The position was formally established in 2020, with Pritam Singh of the Workers' Party serving since 24 August 2020.

[5] The formal office was established in the aftermath of the 2020 general election, which saw the Workers' Party winning ten seats in Parliament.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the creation of the formal office and that the leader of the opposition would be provided with the appropriate manpower support and resources [6][7] to perform the parliamentary role.

[3] Due to its former status as a de facto role, the leader of the opposition did not draw any additional allowance by virtue of holding the position and were entitled only to the usual ordinary remuneration allowance granted to other regular Members of Parliament.

The leader of the opposition will also be given a longer speaking duration for speeches, equivalent to that given to political officeholders.