Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam stated on 31 March that Singapore’s Constitution allows Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) to resign and subsequently join political parties to contest in elections.
His remarks were made following community visits to mosques and prayer sites in Yishun, where he addressed reporters outside Ahmad Ibrahim Mosque. Former NMP Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, who recently resigned and has since been introduced as a new face in the People’s Action Party (PAP), joined Shanmugam and other MPs during the walkabout.
NMPs Raj Joshua Thomas and Syed Harun Alhabsyi resigned on 14 February—several months before the natural end of the current Parliament.
Under the Constitution, Parliament must be dissolved by 23 August 2025, marking the end of its five-year term. The two NMPs could have remained in their roles until then.
Their early resignations have drawn attention, particularly as Dr Syed Harun is now widely expected to be fielded as a PAP candidate.
Speaking to reporters during the visit, he said he had been learning from Shanmugam, Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim, and other MPs in recent weeks.
“Really, it’s (me) putting myself forward to be able to serve in whatever capacity that is possible in the future, and I look forward to continuing my service for the country,” he said.
Raj Joshua Thomas has not been formally introduced, but speculation remains over whether he will also contest the next General Election. He has, however, confirmed to Mothership that he has applied for membership with the PAP.
When asked if he was prepared to run, he said he was “prepared” to answer the call if needed—whether that meant contesting in the upcoming election or contributing in another capacity.
Shanmugam emphasised that while NMPs are serving their term, they must remain independent. “Parliament has got to choose men and women of character and who carry themselves properly,” he said.
He added that it was always anticipated that NMPs might enter party politics later, saying, “The fact that they can contribute subsequently, or prior, is something that was always understood and provided (for).”
Pointing to historical context, Shanmugam referenced the founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, who had indicated the possibility of NMPs becoming ministers. He noted that constitutional documents had “clearly envisaged” NMPs joining political parties.
Shanmugam is one of only two current MPs, alongside Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who were in Parliament when the NMP scheme was debated in 1990.
“I strongly supported it,” he said, recalling its aim of bringing more diverse voices into Parliament.
However, the resignations have drawn a strong reaction from the public, particularly on social media platforms such as The Straits Times’ Facebook page.
Hundreds of commenters criticised the move, calling it a betrayal of the nonpartisan spirit that underpins the NMP role.
Some accused the PAP of “bending the rules” to serve its political goals. Others described the NMP scheme as a “back door” entry into party politics.
Comments such as “ownself say ownself right” and “PAP can twist and turn anything to fit their narratives” reflected growing scepticism among segments of the public.
A Facebook user wrote, “Absolutely disgusted. Bending the rules to suit PAP’s agenda. These NMPs did not even have the decency to serve out their term fully.”
Another user labelled the programme “a farce”, while Alvin Hor claimed that “most NMPs are simply keeping up a masquerade.”
Among the criticisms were concerns that NMPs are being used as a recruitment pool for the ruling party.
One commented that the NMP scheme had become “little more than a PAP recruitment tool,” incentivising compliance in Parliament in hopes of being selected as a candidate.
Others pointed out the potential conflict of interest in having individuals transition from supposed independence to partisan politics, mid-term.
“It’s not the legality; it’s the purported independence of the NMP scheme,” wrote one Facebook user.
There were, however, a few voices defending the constitutional framework.
Some argued that allowing NMPs to enter politics encourages broader participation and civic engagement. A user stated that such resignations “reflect a deeper commitment to direct political representation and governance.”
Dr Syed Harun, one of the former NMPs who resigned, joined Shanmugam and fellow MPs during the community visit.
He said he was grateful for the opportunity to learn from current MPs and looks forward to serving the country in any capacity. Dr Harun highlighted his long-standing volunteer work with the Malay/Muslim community.
Minister of State Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, also a Nee Soon GRC MP, was notably absent during the visit and had recently been spotted at events in Marine Parade, prompting speculation about a shift in candidacy.
Shanmugam commented that Prof Faishal is “unlikely to be here” going forward.
Grassroots leader Lee Hui Ying and new face Jackson Lam were also present during the walkabout, joining other Nee Soon GRC MPs.
Shanmugam said that whoever is eventually fielded must be able to serve the residents well.
The NMP scheme, introduced in 1990, was originally intended to introduce independent and nonpartisan perspectives in Parliament.
Candidates are nominated by the public and appointed by the President on the recommendation of a Special Select Committee of Parliament.
Despite the legal provision for NMPs to transition into partisan politics, critics argue that such moves blur the distinction between independent voices and party-aligned politicians.
This backlash illustrates the gap between constitutional legality and public sentiment, as questions grow around the effectiveness and integrity of the NMP scheme in its current form.
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