SINGAPORE: Syed Harun Taha Alhabsyi and Raj Joshua Thomas, two nominated members of Parliament ( NMPs ), both resigned on Friday ( Feb 14), causing rumors that they might run for office in the upcoming General Election that needs to be held by November.
In a Instagram post, Mr. Thomas expressed gratitude for the pleasure and honor of serving as an NMP for two words.
The attorney stated in his letter of resignation to the Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng that he is still committed to serving Singapore and Singaporeans to the best of his ability.  ,
He wrote,” I’m considering doing it in a different way, where it would be suitable for me to resign as an NMP at this time.”  ,
Dr Syed Harun, a physician, said he is exploring opportunities to serve in a different ability.  ,
Although there are many nominated and elected members who contribute to the political process, their official roles in the legislative procedure are distinct and different, he wrote in his resignation letter.
I believe it would be most suitable for me to step down from my position as Nominated Member of Parliament because I intend to look into opportunities for social service.
Mr. Seah confirmed to CNA that he had received withdrawal words from Dr. Syed Harun and Mr. Thomas on Friday, but he did not address their motivations.
” They both told me they enjoyed and found their time as NMP quite meaningful,” Mr. Seah said.
The NMP program was first introduced in 1990 and became continuous in 2010. The leader elects an NMP to ensure a more diverse range of separate and non-partisan viewpoints in the House. Up to nine NMPs may be appointed in each congress.
An NMP serves a set expression of two-and-a-half times.  ,
In January 2021, Mr. Thomas was initially appointé as an NMP. He was appointed suddenly in July 2023, along with , Dr Syed Harun and seven people.
” Schedule IS EVERYTHING”
Separate social observer Felix Tan said he believes no NMP has ever resigned before the end of their term in a comment on the defections.
” It really depends on their personal faith and alternative whether they’ll run in the future votes,” said Dr. Tan.
Eugene Tan, an ex-nMP and Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University ( SMU), both concurring that the resignations are unprecedented and that there are indications that the pair might be running for the upcoming General Election.
” Timing is everything”, said Assoc Prof Tan. ” I suppose the only thing that matters is to stay away from any accusations of conflict of interest, especially if they have joined a political gathering,” he said.
” It’s apparent both people are on the threshold of entering political politicians”, he added. ” Time will tell with which group”.
The decision, according to Dr. Felix Tan, may reveal how the NMP method could be seen as a stepping stone into elections if they choose to run in the General Election.  ,
” Essentially, if it’s true ( that they contest in the elections ), does it mean that future NMPs can also consider using the pretext of being an NMP and then participate in an election”? Dr Tan asked.
He claimed that a practice like this would cast doubt on the impartiality of an NMP and the contributions they can render to the social platform and participate in honest policy-making, regardless of their position on the GE.
” One can only hope that such ( possible ) moves do not tarnish the image of NMPs as bringing in unbiased’ alternative views ‘”, said Dr Tan.
He added that if the NMPs decide to battle, it might also serve as a potential spot for talent for celebrations.
” The long-term consequences of this will be damaging to the NMP system”, Dr Tan said. The NMP system was created for a particular reason, not to be merely a “talent area” approach.