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Paralympian William Tan seeking NMP post

SINGAPORE — A prominent Paralympian and doctor has put himself up for consideration as a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP). Dr William Tan, 56, and at least two other individuals — both of whom declined to say who they were submitting the forms for — were spotted at Parliament House, as applications for the position closed yesterday afternoon.

SINGAPORE — A prominent Paralympian and doctor has put himself up for consideration as a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP). Dr William Tan, 56, and at least two other individuals — both of whom declined to say who they were submitting the forms for — were spotted at Parliament House, as applications for the position closed yesterday afternoon.

When contacted, the Parliament Clerk declined to disclose the total number of applications received, saying the Special Select Committee that will recommend candidates to the President would do so in due course.

Yesterday, Dr Tan, who is a resident physician at the National Cancer Centre, said he would like to be an NMP to advance equal opportunities for people with disabilities. He would also raise healthcare-related concernsif appointed.

“It was very hard for me to (get a job) when I graduated,” said Dr Tan, who contracted polio at the age of two and is paralysed from the waist down. “That spurred me to want to do more to help disabled people find employment because it is through employment that people with disabilities can make a contribution and be independent.”

The cancer survivor — who was diagnosed with advanced-stage leukaemia in 2009 — became the first wheelchair-bound person to complete a marathon at the North Pole in 2007. Among other accolades, Dr Tan has received the Public Service Medal in 2000 and the President’s Social Service Award in 2001.

At least seven individuals — including the likes of Singapore Kindness Movement’s William Wan and former Olympian Benedict Tan — have thrown their names into the hat for the nine NMP spots.

Only two among the last batch of NMPs — Jay Gee Melwani Group managing director R Dhinakaran and Singapore Management University law professor Eugene Tan — have indicated their desire to run for a second term.

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