Minister Chan Chun Sing Reaffirms NMP Safeguards Amid Calls for Review
Minister Chan Chun Sing reiterated on 8 April that the safeguards in place for the Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) scheme are sufficient to maintain its non-partisan nature. This statement came in response to queries from Workers’ Party (WP) Member of Parliament Jamus Lim regarding the recent resignations of two NMPs who are considering contesting the upcoming General Election.
Non-Partisan Nature of NMP Scheme
Minister Chan emphasized that the NMP scheme was designed with safeguards to prevent it from being politicized. He explained that NMPs are selected based on their individual merit and contributions to society, rather than party affiliations. This ensures that NMPs represent diverse perspectives and interests in Parliament, contributing to robust and informed debates.
Rejection of Review Plans
Addressing concerns raised by MP Jamus Lim and others about the need for a review of the NMP scheme, Minister Chan stated that there are currently no plans to undertake such a review. He expressed confidence in the existing framework and highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity and independence of the NMP selection process.
Calls for Cooling-Off Period
In light of the recent resignations of two NMPs who are considering running in the upcoming General Election, some have called for the implementation of a cooling-off period. This period would require individuals who resign as NMPs to wait a certain amount of time before they can stand as candidates in elections.
Response to Cooling-Off Period Proposal
While Minister Chan did not directly address the proposal for a cooling-off period, he reiterated the principles underlying the NMP scheme. He emphasized the need for NMPs to serve in good faith and contribute meaningfully to parliamentary discussions during their term. Any changes to the scheme, including the introduction of a cooling-off period, would need to be carefully considered to ensure they do not compromise the effectiveness of the NMP system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Minister Chan Chun Sing’s reaffirmation of the safeguards in place for the NMP scheme underscores the government’s commitment to upholding the non-partisan nature of the parliamentary process. While calls for a review and the implementation of a cooling-off period have been raised in response to recent developments, the government maintains that the current framework is adequate to support the objectives of the NMP scheme. As discussions on parliamentary representation continue, the principles of fairness, independence, and diversity remain central to the ongoing debate surrounding the role of NMPs in Singapore’s political landscape.
Source
This article is written in response to original article.
