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SINGAPORE \u2013 The two independents who ran in May\u2019s General Election have thrown their hats in the ring for consideration as Nominated MPs (NMPs). <\/p>\n
Nominations for this round of NMP appointments closed at 4.30pm on Nov 6. An eight-member Special Select Committee (SSC) chaired by Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng will then interview and consider the eligible candidates.<\/p>\n
Unlike past rounds, no one from the green or arts community has made his or her application public. The total number of those who have put their names forward for consideration is typically disclosed by the Office of the Clerk of Parliament within days.<\/p>\n
The two political newcomers \u2013 Mr Darryl Lo, 28, and Mr Jeremy Tan, 35 \u2013 told The Straits Times that they have different reasons for wanting to become NMPs.<\/p>\n
At GE2025, Mr Lo ran in Radin Mas SMC, where he garnered\u00a023.52\u00a0per cent of the votes. Mr Tan, who ran in Mountbatten SMC, received\u00a036.18\u00a0per cent of the votes there \u2013 the highest vote share for an independent candidate since the\u00a01972\u00a0General Election. <\/p>\n
Mr Lo, who submitted his application on Oct 29, said he hopes to represent the views of younger Singaporeans. <\/p>\n
\u201cAs Singapore enters the 15th Parliament, issues such as job security, cost of living and housing will be central to public debate,\u201d said Mr Lo, who states on LinkedIn that he is currently on a career break.<\/p>\n
\u201cYounger Singaporeans, in particular, will be the ones who live with the long-term impacts of these policies. It is therefore crucial that their perspectives are represented.\u201d <\/p>\n
Mr Tan submitted his application on Nov 5. He said he did so partly to encourage other independent-minded Singaporeans to contribute to the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany Singaporeans are distinguished in their own right, and I hope that my application would encourage others to do so as well,\u201d said the self-described retiree, who dabbles in consulting, entrepreneurship and investments. <\/p>\n
Mr Tan said that with only the ruling PAP and opposition Workers\u2019 Party represented in the 15th Parliament, he would like for Singapore to have more diverse political representation through the NMP scheme. The Progress Singapore Party had two Non-Constituency MPs in the previous term of Parliament.<\/p>\n
Mr Lo said that if selected, he intends to speak up on day-to-day concerns affecting Singaporeans, promote more accessible policymaking processes, and advocate for youth participation in politics. <\/p>\n
The NMP scheme was started in 1990 to ensure a wide representation of views in Parliament. There can be up to nine NMPs during each term, which lasts 2\u00bd years.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Nominees should have performed distinguished public service, brought honour to Singapore or distinguished themselves in their respective fields \u2013 namely arts and letters, sports, culture, the sciences, business, industry, the professions, social or community service or the labour movement. <\/p>\n
NMPs should also take an active part in Parliament proceedings, among other requirements.<\/p>\n