Ex-NMP Syed Harun Alhabsyi among PAP new faces in Nee Soon GRC, sparking speculation on GE bid

SINGAPORE: Former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Syed Harun Alhabsyi was seen in Nee Soon Group Representation Constituency (GRC) on 27 March, marking his first public appearance since resigning from Parliament. The 39-year-old psychiatrist attended an event at the former Northview Secondary School, which is currently serving as a temporary prayer site while Darul Makmur Mosque undergoes upgrading works. He was accompanied by Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam and other Nee Soon GRC MPs, including Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Carrie Tan, and Derrick Goh. Louis Ng, also a Nee Soon GRC MP, was notably absent from the event.

Political speculation follows resignation

On 14 February, Syed Harun and lawyer Raj Joshua Thomas resigned from their NMP positions, becoming the first NMPs to step down before completing their terms. Both had been appointed in July 2023 and had about a year left on their 2½-year tenure. The timing of their resignations has sparked speculation that they may be preparing to contest in the upcoming general election, which must be held by November. In a Facebook post at the time, Syed Harun shared his resignation letter, stating that stepping down was the most appropriate course of action as he wished to explore opportunities for political service. During the Nee Soon GRC event, he was seen conversing with Shanmugam and standing alongside him and Faishal when they spoke to reporters, further fuelling discussions about his political aspirations.

Other potential new faces spotted

Several other individuals believed to be potential People's Action Party (PAP) candidates were also present at the event. These included intellectual property lawyer Deryne Sim, 40, Lee Hui Ying, 36, and Jackson Lam, 40. Lam had stepped down as PAP branch chairman in Hougang SMC in February. Both Sim and Lam have been seen at various Nee Soon GRC events in recent months, adding to speculation that they may be fielded as candidates in the upcoming election.

Questions over NMP independence

The NMP scheme was introduced in 1990 to bring independent and non-partisan perspectives into Parliament. NMPs are appointed rather than elected and are expected to contribute without political party affiliations. The premature resignations of Syed Harun and Thomas have raised concerns about whether the NMP scheme remains genuinely non-partisan. If either of them contests in the general election, questions may arise about whether the scheme is being used as a stepping stone for political careers rather than as a platform for independent voices. The PAP has consistently defended the NMP system as a way to broaden parliamentary representation beyond elected party politics. However, political analysts suggest that if former NMPs transition into partisan roles, it could lead to criticisms that the scheme is being used for political grooming rather than for its original purpose.