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Non-Constituency Members of Parliament
Four decades have elapsed since the Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) scheme was introduced in 1984. It has been raised and debated at every general election since — even as Singapore's political landscape has seen major changes since the scheme was introduced, when the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) had nearly complete domination of Parliament.
To its proponents, the NCMP scheme has been an extraordinary instance of the PAP government's magnanimity in allowing 'best losers' from opposition parties to enter Parliament. To cynics, the scheme was designed to stave off the challenge to the PAP by guaranteeing voters a minimum level of opposition representation, to encourage them to vote for the PAP. Regardless of the perspective taken, the innovation of the NCMP scheme has been central to the question of political representation in Singapore.
This book looks at the evolution of the scheme, with contributions by the NCMPs themselves, providing a platform to discuss whether the scheme is still relevant today, and how it could be changed. It captures views from both the PAP and the opposition, as well as from political observers.
Those who have an interest in Singapore's politics and society.
To its proponents, the NCMP scheme has been an extraordinary instance of the PAP government's magnanimity in allowing 'best losers' from opposition parties to enter Parliament. To cynics, the scheme was designed to stave off the challenge to the PAP by guaranteeing voters a minimum level of opposition representation, to encourage them to vote for the PAP. Regardless of the perspective taken, the innovation of the NCMP scheme has been central to the question of political representation in Singapore.
This book looks at the evolution of the scheme, with contributions by the NCMPs themselves, providing a platform to discuss whether the scheme is still relevant today, and how it could be changed. It captures views from both the PAP and the opposition, as well as from political observers.
Those who have an interest in Singapore's politics and society.
- GenresPolitics
200 pages, Hardcover
Published August 21, 2024
About the author
Loke Hoe Yeong
5 books4 followersLoke Hoe Yeong is Associate Fellow at the European Union Centre in Singapore, and was formerly Research Analyst at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs. He holds an MSc in Comparative Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Since 2014, he has been Assistant Secretary-General of the Singapore People's Party.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 24, 2026
This book comprises a series of essays by former NCMPs, commentators and political observers, and even former PAP MPs. I especially liked the interview transcripts with former PAP MP Inderjit Singh and former NCMPs Hazel Poa and Leong Mun Wai. The essays touch on a number of issues, including:
• Whether the NCMP scheme is a boon or bane for the opposition: Associate Professor Eugene Tan describes it as "a profitable springboard for the WP" as the WP's former NCMPs Sylvia Lim, Gerald Giam, Dennis Tan, and Leon Perera used their NCMP stints as "the staging ground for their successful electoral campaigns". On the other hand, its purpose to act as a "stabiliser" (as former PM Goh Chok Tong put it) has caused critics to argue that the scheme may be used to persuade risk-averse voters to vote for the PAP since opposition presence is guaranteed by virtue of the NCMP scheme (although MPs like former NMP Hazel Poa reported that, at ground visits, "hardly anybody" appears to think in this manner; "bread-and-butter issues" dominated).
• Legitimacy issues with NCMPs: While authors like Walter Woon and Assistant Professor Elvin Ong argue that NCMPs may draw their legitimacy from the minority who voted for them (and thus are 'unrepresented' by their elected MP, by virtue of the first-past-the-post system), former WP Chief and MP Low Thia Khiang described NCMPs "like "duckweed on the pond", without the benefit of the roots that tied elected MPs to their constituency." Without "a base to operate and expand from" (former NCMP Steve Chia) and "constraints in securing venues to hold activities" (former NCMP Hazel Poa), quaere how NCMPs can be said to adequately represent the constituents that voted for them. It is perhaps no wonder that only one former NCMP (Sylvia Lim) has subsequently been elected as an MP in the same constituency she contested in to become an NCMP.
• Practical issues: In 1984, the NCMP seat was offered to M.P.D. Nair, and after Nair rejected it, to Tan Chee Kien. After Tan rejected it, no further offers were made. The law does not specify any rules on how many times a NCMP seat was to be offered. Editors Loke and Yee opined that this made the rules for offering NCMP seats "seem arbitrary". In 2016, WP candidate Lee Li Lian was offered an NCMP seat (for Punggol East SMC) but the WP sought to 'transfer' the seat to another candidate in another constituency, Daniel Goh. While the offer was extended to Goh, Parliament passed a motion that expressed regret at Lee's deciding to give up her seat to Goh (all WP MPs abstained). The law does not contemplate such transfers of NCMP seats. Editors Loke and Yee termed the government's action as "weaponis[ing] the issue against the WP," and Associate Professor Eugene Tan recommended amending the law to disallow such intra-party transfers as this amounts to "go[ing] against the choice of voters in filling NCMP seats" and "letting a party, rather than the voters, decide on the NCMPs."
Ultimately, the book seeks to engage the question of whether the NCMP scheme should be retained or abolished. Authors differ on this, while the editors Loke and Yee end the book with a chapter arguing that the scheme should be abolished.
Overall, a good book for an overview of the NCMP scheme, its history, and arguments concerning its substance and merits.
• Whether the NCMP scheme is a boon or bane for the opposition: Associate Professor Eugene Tan describes it as "a profitable springboard for the WP" as the WP's former NCMPs Sylvia Lim, Gerald Giam, Dennis Tan, and Leon Perera used their NCMP stints as "the staging ground for their successful electoral campaigns". On the other hand, its purpose to act as a "stabiliser" (as former PM Goh Chok Tong put it) has caused critics to argue that the scheme may be used to persuade risk-averse voters to vote for the PAP since opposition presence is guaranteed by virtue of the NCMP scheme (although MPs like former NMP Hazel Poa reported that, at ground visits, "hardly anybody" appears to think in this manner; "bread-and-butter issues" dominated).
• Legitimacy issues with NCMPs: While authors like Walter Woon and Assistant Professor Elvin Ong argue that NCMPs may draw their legitimacy from the minority who voted for them (and thus are 'unrepresented' by their elected MP, by virtue of the first-past-the-post system), former WP Chief and MP Low Thia Khiang described NCMPs "like "duckweed on the pond", without the benefit of the roots that tied elected MPs to their constituency." Without "a base to operate and expand from" (former NCMP Steve Chia) and "constraints in securing venues to hold activities" (former NCMP Hazel Poa), quaere how NCMPs can be said to adequately represent the constituents that voted for them. It is perhaps no wonder that only one former NCMP (Sylvia Lim) has subsequently been elected as an MP in the same constituency she contested in to become an NCMP.
• Practical issues: In 1984, the NCMP seat was offered to M.P.D. Nair, and after Nair rejected it, to Tan Chee Kien. After Tan rejected it, no further offers were made. The law does not specify any rules on how many times a NCMP seat was to be offered. Editors Loke and Yee opined that this made the rules for offering NCMP seats "seem arbitrary". In 2016, WP candidate Lee Li Lian was offered an NCMP seat (for Punggol East SMC) but the WP sought to 'transfer' the seat to another candidate in another constituency, Daniel Goh. While the offer was extended to Goh, Parliament passed a motion that expressed regret at Lee's deciding to give up her seat to Goh (all WP MPs abstained). The law does not contemplate such transfers of NCMP seats. Editors Loke and Yee termed the government's action as "weaponis[ing] the issue against the WP," and Associate Professor Eugene Tan recommended amending the law to disallow such intra-party transfers as this amounts to "go[ing] against the choice of voters in filling NCMP seats" and "letting a party, rather than the voters, decide on the NCMPs."
Ultimately, the book seeks to engage the question of whether the NCMP scheme should be retained or abolished. Authors differ on this, while the editors Loke and Yee end the book with a chapter arguing that the scheme should be abolished.
Overall, a good book for an overview of the NCMP scheme, its history, and arguments concerning its substance and merits.
October 4, 2024
Good book that summarises the history of the NCMP scheme and the arguments for and against removing/sunsetting the scheme. I found the concluding chapter slightly abrupt and rather unfulfilling as a summary/closing given the varied perspectives that they featured in the book.
June 22, 2026
Maybe the NCMP scheme didn’t need a book… not many insightful points, and quite repetitive throughout, which might be reflective of a potential lack of content. Didn’t find the writing especially fun to read either.
May 4, 2025
Interesting read about the NCMP scheme. Learned about the history of the scheme, previous NCMPs, and various views of the scheme.
March 2, 2025
This book is an insightful read for those interested in revisiting Singapore’s unique adaptation of the UK Westminster "first-past-the-post" system—an evolution shaped by our political landscape over the years. What started as a one-party rule has since transformed into a system still largely dominated by a single super-party. But change, however gradual, has been unfolding.
One aspect of this system—the Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) scheme—rarely comes up in conversations among my peers. For many, politics takes a backseat to the more immediate concerns of daily life, making the NCMP role feel like a distant, "not my problem" issue. Even among those who are politically engaged, the NCMP is often seen as a "best loser" seat, with some viewing it as a second-class MP position. Others believe it to be a mechanism designed by the ruling party to assure citizens of alternative views in Parliament. The scheme was introduced as part of a series of political reforms in the 1980s—an attempt at "engineering" improvements with the best of intentions.
Like many, my understanding of the NCMP role had been shaped by limited exposure, mostly through mainstream media coverage during election seasons. Then I discovered that a good friend, whose previous works I had read and respected, co-authored this book. That, along with the inevitable pull of age making me more curious about how our political system functions, convinced me to give it a read.
A Balanced and Thought-Provoking Read
This book turned out to be both insightful and engaging. The authors have done an excellent job of crafting a balanced narrative, incorporating perspectives from supporters and critics of the NCMP scheme. It begins by outlining the original intent behind the role as framed by the ruling party, followed by a clear timeline of individuals who have held the position (as well as those who declined it). Crucially, the book includes voices from NCMPs themselves, politicians from both the ruling and opposition parties, and political observers—each offering differing perspectives on the scheme.
Before reading, I had several preconceived notions about the NCMP role, both its advantages and shortcomings. This book challenged many of them and provided thoughtful discussions on key points, such as:
- Whether the NCMP scheme was designed to assure citizens that opposition voices are present, reducing the need for elected opposition MPs.
- The perceived contradiction of opposition parties opposing the scheme yet accepting NCMP seats when offered.
- The scheme’s limitations in addressing representational gaps, as it still operates within the "first-past-the-post" system.
- Whether citizens truly care about how opposition voices enter Parliament, as long as there is an alternative viewpoint.
- The possibility of the NCMP scheme acting as a safeguard against an overwhelming supermajority in Parliament.
The book presents a well-structured argument leading to its own conclusion on whether the NCMP role has run its course and if it should be abolished. While I do not fully subscribe to the authors’ final stance, I appreciate how they built their case methodically. What I found particularly commendable is that the first few chapters lay a strong foundation, allowing readers to form their own conclusions based on the facts and perspectives presented.
Final Thoughts
Would strongly recommend this book as an accessible and thought-provoking read. (I took longer to finish it only because I was juggling two to three books at the same time—my bad!) For those looking for a broader understanding of Singapore’s political system, I’d also suggest reading it alongside a book on the Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) scheme—another "aberration" introduced in the 1980s. Together, these books provide valuable insights into the roles of MPs beyond elected representatives.
For an even deeper dive, checking out bite-sized articles on the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system and the Elected Presidency would offer a more comprehensive view of the various engineered changes made to Singapore’s political landscape during that period.
One aspect of this system—the Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) scheme—rarely comes up in conversations among my peers. For many, politics takes a backseat to the more immediate concerns of daily life, making the NCMP role feel like a distant, "not my problem" issue. Even among those who are politically engaged, the NCMP is often seen as a "best loser" seat, with some viewing it as a second-class MP position. Others believe it to be a mechanism designed by the ruling party to assure citizens of alternative views in Parliament. The scheme was introduced as part of a series of political reforms in the 1980s—an attempt at "engineering" improvements with the best of intentions.
Like many, my understanding of the NCMP role had been shaped by limited exposure, mostly through mainstream media coverage during election seasons. Then I discovered that a good friend, whose previous works I had read and respected, co-authored this book. That, along with the inevitable pull of age making me more curious about how our political system functions, convinced me to give it a read.
A Balanced and Thought-Provoking Read
This book turned out to be both insightful and engaging. The authors have done an excellent job of crafting a balanced narrative, incorporating perspectives from supporters and critics of the NCMP scheme. It begins by outlining the original intent behind the role as framed by the ruling party, followed by a clear timeline of individuals who have held the position (as well as those who declined it). Crucially, the book includes voices from NCMPs themselves, politicians from both the ruling and opposition parties, and political observers—each offering differing perspectives on the scheme.
Before reading, I had several preconceived notions about the NCMP role, both its advantages and shortcomings. This book challenged many of them and provided thoughtful discussions on key points, such as:
- Whether the NCMP scheme was designed to assure citizens that opposition voices are present, reducing the need for elected opposition MPs.
- The perceived contradiction of opposition parties opposing the scheme yet accepting NCMP seats when offered.
- The scheme’s limitations in addressing representational gaps, as it still operates within the "first-past-the-post" system.
- Whether citizens truly care about how opposition voices enter Parliament, as long as there is an alternative viewpoint.
- The possibility of the NCMP scheme acting as a safeguard against an overwhelming supermajority in Parliament.
The book presents a well-structured argument leading to its own conclusion on whether the NCMP role has run its course and if it should be abolished. While I do not fully subscribe to the authors’ final stance, I appreciate how they built their case methodically. What I found particularly commendable is that the first few chapters lay a strong foundation, allowing readers to form their own conclusions based on the facts and perspectives presented.
Final Thoughts
Would strongly recommend this book as an accessible and thought-provoking read. (I took longer to finish it only because I was juggling two to three books at the same time—my bad!) For those looking for a broader understanding of Singapore’s political system, I’d also suggest reading it alongside a book on the Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) scheme—another "aberration" introduced in the 1980s. Together, these books provide valuable insights into the roles of MPs beyond elected representatives.
For an even deeper dive, checking out bite-sized articles on the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system and the Elected Presidency would offer a more comprehensive view of the various engineered changes made to Singapore’s political landscape during that period.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews