Calls from former NMPs to relook scheme at event marking its 35th year

The nonpartisan nature of the Nominated Member of Parliament scheme should be protected, and those selected should reflect diverse views, said former NMPs.

- Ng Wei Kai Correspondent

These views were aired by three former NMPs at a panel discussion on the scheme’s future during an event marking its 35th anniversary on Sept 18.

Former NMP Laurence Lien suggested a cooling-off period before any NMP stands for election, regardless of whether they contest under a party banner or as an independent.

He said that while personal political views are unavoidable, those in the scheme represent the “whole of Singapore” and the public expects non-partisanship.

“If you are partisan, then it destroys the credibility of institutions,” he said.

Another former NMP Kuik Shiao-Yin said that NMPs are able to raise issues in Parliament without worrying about being electable.

She added that to be relevant, especially to young people, NMPs should speak “like a normal human being about things that matter”, and that people will pay attention if they do.

Lawyer Chandra Mohan K. Nair, another former NMP, said the impartiality of the scheme must be upheld while one is in the role.

He said in his time in Parliament between 2001 and 2004, he was asked by opposition MPs — Singapore Democratic Alliance’s Mr Chiam See Tong and the Workers’ Party’s Mr Low Thia Khiang - to join them, but declined.