Embargoed till 1800 Hrs, 27 December 2011

PRESS STATEMENT

On 2 November 2011, the Special Select Committee on Nominations for Appointment as Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) of the 12th Parliament had invited the general public and functional groups to submit names of persons for its consideration for appointment as NMPs. The closing date for the submission of names was 8 December 2011.

2 A total of 50 Proposal Forms have been received:

• 34 from the general public; and

• 16 from the seven functional groups representing organizations from business and industry; the professions; the labour movement; social service organizations; civic and people sector; tertiary education institutions; and media, arts and sports.

3 The Special Select Committee has consulted with elected Members of Parliament, seeking their views and comments on the persons proposed in accordance with section 2(3) of the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of . Furthermore, the views of the referees on the persons proposed have also been obtained.

4 The Special Select Committee will be meeting to consider eligible candidates in early January 2012. When finalized, the list of persons nominated by the Committee will be forwarded to the President for his appointment.

5 The members of the Special Select Committee are:

Speaker Michael Palmer (Chairman) Dr , Minister of Defence and Leader of the House Ms Hai Yien, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts & Ministry of Environment and Water Resources Dr Ms BMM, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms , Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Law

6 Enacted in 1990, the NMP scheme provides for persons who have distinguished themselves or have special knowledge, expertise and practical experience in the professions, commerce, industry, culture, labour, education, social or community service, people, media, arts and sports sectors to contribute to the political process through the presentation of wide- ranging, independent and non-partisan views in Parliament.

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Office of the Clerk of Parliament 27 December 2011