Former NMPs raise concerns over how members' resignations ahead of GE2025 could impact scheme

The sudden resignations of two Nominated MPs before the end of their terms have raised concerns from some former NMPs over how it could colour perceptions of the non-partisan intent of the scheme.

- Goh Yan Han Political Correspondent and Ng Wei Kai

Lawyer Raj Joshua Thomas and psychiatrist Syed Harun Alhabsyi submitted their resignations to the Speaker of Parliament around noon on Feb 14, fuelling speculation that they will stand in the upcoming general election expected mid-year.

This is the first time since the NMP scheme was mooted in 1990 that any NMP has resigned before the end of the 2½-year term.

In their resignation letters, both men – who were appointed in July 2023 – hinted that they would soon be involved in party politics, observers said.

Mr Thomas last spoke in Parliament on Jan 8 in the debate on the Workplace Fairness Bill, while Dr Syed Harun had spoken on Feb 5 during the motion on supporting Singaporeans in starting and raising families.

Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan, who was an NMP from 2012 to 2014, said every citizen, including former NMPs, has the right to contest in a parliamentary election.

Associate Professor Tan said: "The issue in this case is the timing and circumstances of their vacating their NMP seats."

It raises questions about whether it was appropriate for any political courtship to have taken place when both men were still NMPs, he said.

Former NMP Anthea Ong, an entrepreneur and social advocate, said that even if the Constitution allows for it, NMPs running in elections may have implications on the non-partisan intent of the scheme, especially if they quit before the end of their term to do so.

Trust in such public institutions is paramount amid the uncertain environment and increasing political contestation and social polarisation, she added.

She noted that the scheme already has more than its fair share of critiques and criticism.