What are Nominated MPs, and how NTUC voices shape labour policy in Singapore

For nearly 35 years, the Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) scheme has given independent voices a seat in Singapore's legislature. And for workers—the country’s largest stakeholder group—NTUC-nominated MPs have played a quiet but influential role in shaping labour laws, workplace protections and upskilling policies.

Introduced in 1990, the NMP scheme was designed to bring non-partisan, sector-based perspectives into Parliament.

The idea was simple: ensure Parliament reflects a wider cross-section of Singapore society, including voices that may not naturally emerge through electoral politics.

In other words, NMPs are the voice for the voiceless, championing underserved communities. As for their powers, NMPs can introduce Bills, except for money-related ones. But unlike their elected counterparts, they can’t vote on constitutional amendments, money Bills, no-confidence motions, or the removal of the Singapore President or judges.

In the early years, up to six NMPs were appointed to serve two-year terms. The nominees must have illustrious public service records, brought honour to Singapore, or distinguished themselves in their fields. These fields included arts and letters, sports, culture, the sciences, business, industry, professions, social or community service, and the Labour Movement.

The NMP scheme evolution

Over time, the number of independent MPs in Singapore increased from six in 1990 to nine in 1997, providing more diverse voices in Parliament. Their terms were also extended in 2002 to two-and-a-half years to align with Parliament’s five-year cycle.

Gradually, more sectors were included, and these were organised into seven functional groups: the media, arts and sports organisations; business and industry; the professions; the Labour Movement; social service organisations; civic and people sector, and tertiary education institutions.

How are NMPs selected in Singapore?

Apart from being highly regarded individuals in their fields, NMPs cannot belong to or be affiliated with a political party, ensuring that their views remain independent.

With the nominations from the public and functional groups, the Special Select Committee assesses candidates using constitutional criteria, sector representation goals, and individual merit. The committee is led by the Speaker of Parliament and includes sitting MPs from the Government and opposition.

After evaluation, the committee will recommend up to nine persons to the President of Singapore for appointment to Parliament.

Upon acceptance, the head of state will present the Instruments of Appointment to the NMPs before they are sworn in at the next Parliament sitting.

What is NTUC’s role in the NMP scheme?

According to the Ministry of Manpower, around 3.9 million people were employed in Singapore in 2024, making workers the single largest stakeholder group in the country.

Yet, elected Labour MPs typically number only six to seven per term. Representing such a diverse workforce, from gig workers and PMEs to older workers and caregivers, is a substantial challenge.

That’s why the Labour Movement has had a representative for every Parliamentary term since 1992, two years after the NMP scheme started.

With many years of walking the ground among workers, the NTUC-nominated MPs, usually experienced trade unionists or labour leaders, bring everyday issues into the national debate. Their ground-up advocacy complements the voices of elected Labour MPs, often adding breadth and depth to under-supported professions or issues.

Notable NTUC NMPs and their contributions

Newly minted NTUC-nominated MP Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari (pictured above) was sworn in at the January 2026 Parliament sitting. As the Amalgamated Union of Public Employees general secretary, he aims to be the voice of public sector workers and plans to tackle upskilling and cost-of-living pressures.

Mr Tiwari joins a long line of 14 other illustrious labour leaders who have spoken up on worker issues in the national debate.

How NMP contributions shape laws and policies

Labour NMPs’ speeches influence Bills and spark Government responses and tripartite discussions that often lead to new programmes and initiatives to help workers.

For example, Jean See (2023-2025, pictured below) helped to shape the landmark Platform Workers’ Act. As the Director of NTUC’s Freelancers and Self-Employed unit at the time, she raised platform workers’ concerns during Parliamentary debates, urged for clearer accountability for platform operators, and supported the law as a key step to protect workers’ livelihoods.

Another NTUC-nominated MP, Abdul Samad Abdul Wahab’s (2021-2023, pictured below) speeches on Parliamentary motions and statements repeatedly addressed fairness themes—fair hiring, training, worker security, and health, along with protections for vulnerable workers. These sentiments align with the goals of the Workplace Fairness Act.

Is the NMP scheme still relevant today?

With the changing workforce and economy today, the need for independent, sector-based representation remains more important than ever.

On the labour front, key trends—such as the rise of gig work and new technologies, shifting workforce demographics, and evolving caregiving needs in an increasingly super-aged Singapore—require the ground-level insights that NTUC NMPs gather for resolution at the national level.

Independent voices, real impact

From the pioneers who served for two years starting in 1990 to the nine who have recently embarked on a two-and-a-half-year journey across more sectors today, the NMP scheme has come a long way in the past 35 years. While the form and structure may have evolved, the spirit of voicing the concerns of Singapore’s under-represented communities burns brighter than ever.

Likewise, the NTUC-nominated MPs will continue to build upon the shoulders of giants, serving as a distinct voice for the 3.9 million Singaporean workers. They will address workers’ challenges and concerns while fulfilling their aspirations just as the labour leaders before them did.