Dr Haresh Singaraju, a nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) set to take office, has found himself amid a media storm over his political affiliations. A photograph of the family physician wearing a shirt emblazoned with the People’s Action Party (PAP) logo sparked discussions about the neutrality expected of NMPs.
Clarification After Controversy
Initially, Dr Haresh told the South China Morning Post on 5 January 2024 that the picture was from a People’s Association event. However, he quickly realised that he had misspoken and later corrected his statement on Instagram, clarifying, “This activity did not involve the PA. I’m now not a member of any party.”
Background on the NMP Scheme
The NMP scheme, introduced in 1990, was designed to inject non-partisan views into Singapore’s Parliament. However, the independence of this role has come under scrutiny, particularly following resignations of former NMPs Raj Joshua Thomas and Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi last February — just months before the upcoming General Election.
- Dr Syed Harun is now a PAP candidate for Nee Soon GRC and serves as Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and National Development.
- Thomas opted not to stand in the election, focusing on community work instead.
Responsibilities and Expectations
Dr Haresh, whose LinkedIn profile lists his involvement as a grassroots leader with the PA since January 2023, stated that the image was removed from his Instagram as part of a “clean up” to protect the identities of individuals depicted in it.
This incident highlights the delicate balance NMPs must maintain between personal involvement in political activities and their obligation to provide neutral perspectives in Parliament.
Future Prospects
As Dr Haresh prepares to take on his new role as an NMP, he joins eight other appointees, including Mr Mark Lee Kean Phi, CEO of Sing Lun Holdings, who is returning for a second term. The upcoming appointments will take place on 8 January 2024, as Singapore gears up for another election cycle.