Politics
Two NMPs resign ahead of Budget debate, fuelling election speculation
Two Nominated Members of Parliament, Raj Joshua Thomas and Syed Harun Alhabsyi, have resigned nearly a year before their term ends. Their sudden departure, announced on 14 February, comes just before the Budget debate, sparking speculation that they may be preparing to contest in the upcoming general election.
Two Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs), lawyer Raj Joshua Thomas and psychiatrist Syed Harun Alhabsyi, have resigned from their positions, nearly a year before their 2.5-year term was due to end.
Their resignations were announced in separate emails sent to Members of Parliament on 14 February.
The Parliament website promptly removed their biodata following the announcement.
Their departure comes just days before the annual Budget debate, one of the most critical periods in the parliamentary calendar, when ministries present their budget allocations for scrutiny and debate.
The sudden resignations have sparked speculation that both men may be preparing to contest in the upcoming general election, which is widely expected to take place in 2025, with some speculating that it could be held in early May.
The timing of their departure, so close to the Budget discussions, has led to questions about whether they are aligning themselves for a political transition.
Raj Joshua Thomas, a lawyer and managing partner at Tang Thomas law firm, has been active in the security sector as president of the Security Association Singapore.
This was his second term as an NMP, having first been appointed in January 2021 before being reappointed in July 2023.
Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, a consultant psychiatrist and medical director at The Starfish Clinic of Psychiatry & Mental Wellness, was serving his first term as an NMP.
NMPs are appointed to provide independent and non-partisan views in Parliament. The NMP scheme was introduced in 1990 as a way to bring diverse perspectives into the legislative process without the influence of political party affiliations.
The resignation of two NMPs before their term ends has, therefore, raised concerns about whether their appointments were genuinely non-partisan.
If either Thomas or Harun chooses to contest in the general election, questions may arise about the perceived independence of the NMP scheme.
The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) has consistently defended the system as a means of broadening parliamentary representation beyond elected party politics. However, political observers note that if former NMPs transition into partisan politics, it could fuel criticism that the scheme serves as a platform for political grooming rather than independent representation.
Raj Joshua Thomas addressed his resignation in a Facebook post, stating that he remains “dedicated to serving Singapore and Singaporeans to the best of my abilities.”
He explained that he is “contemplating doing so in a different way, in which it would be appropriate for me to resign as an NMP at this time.”
While he did not specify his next steps, his comments have further fuelled speculation about his political future. Thomas also reflected on his time as an NMP, highlighting his advocacy for low-wage workers, fair employment opportunities, and racial and religious harmony.
At present, neither Thomas nor Harun has publicly commented on whether they intend to stand in the upcoming election.
Their departure adds to growing anticipation of an early general election, with political parties already beginning ground activities across constituencies.
The next steps for replacing the two NMPs remain unclear.
The process of selecting new NMPs typically involves nominations from professional groups, interest organisations, and members of the public, followed by vetting and appointment by the President on the recommendation of a Special Select Committee of Parliament.
However, with the next general election looming, it is uncertain whether replacements will be appointed at all.
For now, attention will remain on the upcoming Budget debate, scheduled to begin next week, while political speculation surrounding the resignations continues.
