Safeguarding Non-partisan Nature of NMP Scheme and Proposal for Cooling-off Period before NMPs Run for Elected Office

48 Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance with regard to the Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) scheme (a) whether there are plans to further safeguard public confidence in its non-partisan nature; and (b) whether the Government will consider a cooling-off period before NMPs can run for elected office, especially on a partisan platform.

Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Prime Minister): The Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) scheme was introduced in 1990 to enhance the quality of Parliamentary debate by bringing in non-partisan and independent voices into Parliament, particularly with expertise and experience from various sectors of society.

Safeguards are in place to ensure the non-partisan nature of the NMP scheme. For example, the Special Select Committee on Nominations for Appointment as NMPs, which considers the potential candidates put forth by the public for nomination as NMPs, comprises MPs from both the ruling and opposition parties. The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore also expressly requires an NMP to vacate his seat if he stands as a candidate for any political party in an election.

I believe that many Members of this House would agree that our NMPs have, over the years, enriched our debates in Parliament and that they have been non-partisan in their conduct, even as they participate actively in the Parliamentary process.

The Government currently has no plan to review the NMP scheme.