Election 2025: Elected Opposition Members of Parliament are the Only Ones Capable of Exerting Pressure on the Government, Accords Pritam Singh on Non-Constituency MPs
Rewritten Article:
Singapore's Workers' Party chief, Pritam Singh, stated on Tuesday (Apr 29) that only elected opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) can effectively challenge the government. Speaking to media at Hougang SMC ahead of the General Election, Mr. Singh pointed out the disadvantages faced by Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs).
According to Mr. Singh, NCMPs lack a direct link to voters and residents, with no office in the constituency where they work. He criticized the ruling People's Action Party for aiming to keep the opposition in such a position.
"The PAP wants to keep opposition MPs non-elected because only an elected opposition MP can apply the pressure and push the government needs," Mr. Singh said.
NCMPs are appointed from the "best losers" in general elections who secure at least 15% of votes in their contested constituencies. These MPs serve to enhance parliamentary debates, allowing ruling party MPs to refine arguments and educate voters. However, unlike elected opposition MPs, they lack a direct electoral mandate, reducing their political authority. They may raise concerns about government conduct but have limited influence on legislation.
Elected opposition MPs, on the other hand, are more accountable to their constituents, enabling them to advocate stronger for local interests and policies. They enjoy full parliamentary rights, participate in all votes, committees, and constituency work, and are subject to mandatory by-elections when a vacancy arises.
While NCMPs contribute to parliamentary discourse, their inability to shape decisive legislative outcomes and lack of electoral backing hinder their capacity to pressure the government compared to elected MPs. Although NCMPs were designed to foster debate, elected opposition MPs remain critical for political accountability.
- In the General Election of 2025, Singaporean voters might consider the importance of electing opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) rather than non-elected NCMPs, as suggested by Workers' Party chief, Pritam Singh.
- Singh, during a media engagement at Hougang SMC, emphasized that non-constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) struggle with a lack of direct voter and resident connections, unlike their elected counterparts.
- The policy-and-legislation arena in Singapore may see significant changes with potential pressure being applied by elected opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), as per Mr. Singh's assertions about their superior ability to hold the government accountable.
- Singapore's general news may report on the increasing role of elected opposition MPs in driving change, particularly in contrast to NCMPs who can voice concerns but have limited influence on policy-and-legislation due to their lack of electoral mandate.
