NMPs voted on Bill without fear or favour

The backlash against our Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) is unwarranted (“NMP apologises after change of heart on contempt Bill amendments”; Aug 18).

NMPs are in Parliament to represent a segment of the community for Singapore’s long-term good.

As with any responsible representative in a position of authority, the NMP’s duty is to understand the issues, consider the impact and then vote with his or her conscience. In this instance, the NMPs did that and more.

They raised good, sharp questions about the Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill, proposed amendments, consulted the Law Ministry and started a petition. They did better than some MPs did.

They did enough for the Government to notice, and it made the effort to address their doubts in Parliament. When satisfied that their concerns were addressed, they voted for the Bill without fear or favour.

This is constructive politics, which is neither about paying lip service nor voting against the Government for the sake of doing so. Let us not chide them for doing what they were selected to do.