Since the 1984 General Election, Singapore’s Constitution has required a minimum number of opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) to be present in Parliament. This number started at three in 1984 and has gradually increased over time, reaching 12 by GE2020 and remaining the same for GE2025.
How The NCMP Scheme Works
To ensure this minimum number is met, the Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) scheme was introduced to fill the gap between the number of elected opposition MPs, and the minimum number required. Under this scheme, opposition candidates who did not win their election but received the highest percentage of votes among losing opposition parties may be offered NCMP positions if the minimum number of opposition candidates required in parliament is unmet.
For example, in GE2020, the opposition secured 10 elected seats—all won by the Workers’ Party (WP): five in Aljunied GRC, four in Sengkang GRC and one in Hougang SMC. As this was two short of 12 opposition MPs, two NCMP seats were offered to losing opposition candidates.
In GE2020, these seats went to the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) team in West Coast GRC, which narrowly lost to the People’s Action Party (PAP) with 48.31% of the vote versus PAP’s 51.69%. As a GRC team, PSP was allowed to nominate two members—Leong Mun Wai and Hazel Poa—to take up the NCMP positions. Do note that there can be no more than two NCMPs from one GRC.
NCMP seats can only be offered to candidates from opposition parties. PAP candidates who lose in an election are not eligible for NCMP appointments, as the PAP currently forms the government.
What NCMPs Do, And How Much They Earn
As the name suggests, NCMPs do not represent any constituencies, as they were not elected by voters. Instead, they serve as an opposition voice in parliament and can participate in debates, raise discussions, and seek clarifications. NCMPs are also allowed to vote on most bills, except for certain constitutional amendments, supply or supplementary bills, money bills, and motions of no confidence in the government.
Like elected MPs, NCMPs will be appointed for a full parliamentary term, which can last up to five years.
They receive a monthly salary of $2,063, the standard 13th-month bonus and typically a one-month Annual Variable Component (AVC) bonus. This brings their annual remuneration to about $28,900 ($2,063 x 14). While this is significantly lower than the salary of an elected MP, it also reflects the reduced scope of their responsibilities, as NCMPs do not oversee constituency matters.
Parliament typically meets 30 to 40 days a year, usually on weekdays. In addition to attending these sessions, NCMPs can be expected to spend considerable time preparing for debates and discussions in parliament.
Nominated Member of Parliament (NMPs)
Introduced in 1990, Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) are also part of Singapore’s parliament. However, unlike elected MPs, they are not chosen by voters. Instead, they are appointed by the President, on the advice of a Special Select Committee chaired by the Speaker of Parliament.
Like NCMPs, NMPs can participate in parliamentary debates and vote on most matters except for specific constitutional amendments, supply or supplementary bills, money bills, and motions of no confidence in the government. Currently, up to nine NMPs can be appointed to each parliament.
NMPs receive the same remuneration as NCMPs: a monthly allowance of $2,063, plus the standard 13th-month bonus and typically a one-month Annual Variable Component (AVC), bringing their typical total annual compensation to around $28,900.
Unlike NCMPs, who serve for the full parliamentary term, NMPs are appointed for a shorter term of two and a half years. They are also expected to be independent and non-partisan, without affiliation to any political party.
Read Also: How Much Are Singapore Members Of Parliament (MP) Paid?
Photo Credit: iStock/Leonid Andronov
