Saturday, May 30, 2009 6:36 pm
NMP scheme and its changes‏
IMPROVE NMP SCHEME
17. NMP scheme started in 1990
a. Constitution initially provided for up to 6 NMPs
b. Amended in 1997 to provide for up to 9 NMPs
18. Scheme has worked well
a. NMPs represent nonpartisan, alternative views in Parliament
b. NMPs have made effective contributions and raised the quality of debate in Parliament
19. The NMP scheme should be a permanent part of our political system
a. However, presently each Parliament is required to pass a motion resolving that there shall be NMPs for that term of Parliament
b. This was a safeguard introduced when the NMP scheme was new, because we could not be certain how the scheme would work
c. After 20 years, this is no longer an issue
d. We will do away with the motion on the NMP scheme in each Parliament, so we will always automatically have NMPs in Parliament, as Dr Loo Choon Yong suggested
e. This will also require amending the Constitution
20. Also propose to finetune scheme to broaden representation of various interest groups
a. NMPs are chosen by a Special Select Committee of Parliament
b. Committee formally invites nominations from six groups: business and industry, the professions, labour movement, social and community organisations, media, arts and sports, and tertiary education institutions
c. Should broaden reach to invite nominations from one additional group: the people sector
i. Could be those in environmental movement, young activists, new citizens, and community and grassroots leaders
d. This will give civil society a voice in Parliament and encourage civil society to grow and mature further.
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