SINGAPORE: Nine new Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) will be appointed by President Halimah Yacob for a two-and-a-half-year term which starts on Jan 21.
They include labour union representative Abdul Samad Abdul Wahab, former national swimmer Mark Chay and conservation scientist Professor Koh Lian Pin.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe names were announced by the office of the Clerk of Parliament in a news release on Thursday (Jan 14). The nine are:
- SP Group principal technical officer Mr Abdul Samad Abdul Wahab
- SISTIC chairman Ms Janet Ang
- Global Esports Federation secretariat director Mr Mark Chay
- Guocoland group managing director Mr Cheng Hsing Yao
- Singapore Management University school of economics dean Professor Hoon Hian Teck
- National University of Singapore conservation scientist Professor Koh Lian Pin
- Lawyer Mr Joshua Thomas Raj
- Khoo Teck Puat Hospital orthodontic registrar Dr Shahira Abdullah
- Thomson Breast Centre surgeon Dr Tan Yia Swam
Mr Tan said there were many "high-calibre candidates" who had stepped forward for consideration.
AdvertisementAdvertisement"After careful deliberation, we have determined that the nine nominees have fulfilled all Constitutional criteria and are eligible for appointment. Collectively, they also have creditable accomplishments in their individual fields and a good grasp of issues they are passionate about," he added.
"I thus look forward to the rich diversity of insights and experiences they can bring to the House when we debate matters concerning Singapore and Singaporeans”.
[h=3]READ: 61 proposal forms received by Parliament for NMP nominations[/h][h=3]READ: For Nominated Members of Parliament, it's not just about talking in Parliament[/h] AdvertisementLeader of the House Indranee Rajah, a member of the committee, said the nine had distinguished themselves through their contributions to society or in their respective fields, adding that their specialised knowledge would "add to the depth and breadth of the debates in Parliament".
"I look forward to the fresh perspectives and ideas the new NMPs will bring to Parliament as we work to help Singapore navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and emerge stronger," said Ms Indranee, who is also a Minister in the Prime Minister's Office.
NMPs are appointed by the President for a term of two-and-a-half years on the recommendation of an eight-member Special Select Committee of Parliament chaired by Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin.
The NMP scheme was introduced in 1990 to ensure a wide representation of community views in Parliament.
Up to nine NMPs can be appointed in each Parliament.
Let's block ads! (Why?)
More...