Lawyer Raj Joshua Thomas and psychiatrist Syed Harun Alhabsyi have announced their intention to resign as Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) in Singapore. Their decision comes before the completion of their 2½ year term, which was set to conclude in November. They stated that they would either step down before the term ends or upon the dissolution of parliament ahead of the upcoming general election. Their remarks hinted at a shift towards partisan politics, raising questions about the future relevance of the non-partisan NMP scheme.
The NMP scheme, introduced in 1990 by then-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, was designed to bring alternative non-partisan perspectives into Singapore's parliament. This initiative allows non-elected individuals to offer diverse viewpoints and contribute to legislative discussions. However, the recent resignations of Thomas and Syed Harun have sparked debate over the scheme's integrity, as their intentions appear to align more closely with partisan political service.
In his resignation letter, Syed Harun emphasized the differing roles between nominated and elected members of parliament. He expressed his interest in pursuing an "opportunity for political service" after stepping down as an NMP. This decision reflects his evolving political aspirations, which may not align with the non-partisan nature of the NMP scheme.
Similarly, Raj Joshua Thomas conveyed his ongoing commitment to serving Singapore and its citizens. In a statement, he shared his intention to explore new avenues for service, which necessitated his resignation as an NMP.
"I remain dedicated to serving Singapore and Singaporeans to the best of my abilities. I am contemplating doing so in a different way, in which it would be appropriate for me to resign as an NMP at this time." – Raj Joshua Thomas
The announcement was made to the speaker of parliament, highlighting a potential shift in the political landscape as the country prepares for its general election. Analysts have noted that both NMPs' considerations of partisan politics might have played a role in their decision to resign, marking a departure from the scheme's foundational principle of non-partisanship.
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