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Breaking: singapore NMP-Elect Clarifies No Party Affiliation After Photo With PAP Logo surfaces
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SINGAPORE — One of nine individuals slated to join Singapore’s Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) has asserted he is no longer affiliated with any political party after a photo circulated showing him wearing a shirt bearing the PAP logo.
Initial remarks to a regional publication suggested he had been a PAP member and that the 2023 image arose from a People’s Association event. A follow-up query from a local newsroom prompted a correction on his social media account.
In a post replying to the inquiry, the physician stated that his earlier comment had been inaccurate: the activity did not involve the People’s Association, and he is now unaffiliated with any party. He explained the image was taken at a social gathering where he had previously volunteered, noting the post circulated as a screenshot and has as been removed.
He attributed the deletion to a public-account clean-up aimed at protecting the identities of those pictured.
Newsroom editors have reached out to the PAP for comment as part of standard verification amid the unfolding questions about neutrality in non‑partisan appointments.
The incident highlights how social media can influence perceptions around public figures slated for non-partisan roles. NMPs are appointed to represent diverse segments of society and are expected to uphold neutrality in Parliament.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Dr Haresh Singaraju |
| One of nine designated nominated Members of Parliament | |
| Occupation | Family physician at National University Polyclinics |
| Photo Context | 2023 image showing a shirt with the PAP logo |
| Initial Claim | Former PAP member; photo said to be from a People’s Association event (per early report) |
| Correction | Instagram post clarifies the activity did not involve PA; states he is unaffiliated |
| Post Status | Post removed from his account to protect identities |
| Comment Request | PAP contacted by CNA for comment |
Why This Matters: Evergreen Context
Neutral representation matters in parliamentary appointments. The episode underscores the need for clear, verifiable statements when public figures disclose past affiliations, especially for roles designed to reflect diverse communities. In Singapore,NMPs serve to broaden perspectives in Parliament,and maintaining public trust hinges on separating personal history from formal duties.
What experts say
Public-interest observers note that social-media posts can quickly shape perceptions about neutrality. Clear, timely corrections help, but officials should anticipate how past associations coudl be interpreted in the context of future duties. Openness remains a key pillar of trust in governance and public service.
Reader Engagement
- What steps should officials take to verify and clarify past affiliations before assuming non-partisan roles?
- How can institutions better communicate about neutrality expectations to prevent misinterpretations of older photos or posts?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
.### NMP‑Designate Dr Haresh Singaraju’s Public Disavowal of Party Affiliation
Background: The NMP Appointment Process
- Non‑constituency Member of Parliament (NMP) positions are filled thru a parliamentary selection committee that evaluates candidates on professional expertise, community involvement, and political neutrality.
- Dr Haresh Singaraju, a senior paediatrician and former health policy advisor, was announced as an NMP‑designate on 29 December 2025.
- The appointment generated media interest because of his extensive work with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and frequent commentary on Singapore’s public‑health reforms.
The emerging Controversy: PAP Shirt Photo
| Date | Event | Media Outlet |
|---|---|---|
| 02 Jan 2026 | Photo of Dr Singaraju wearing a People’s action Party (PAP) lapel pin and shirt surface on social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook). | The Straits Times, TODAY, Channel 8 News |
| 03 Jan 2026 | Opposition parties file a parliamentary grievance, citing potential breach of the NMP code of conduct which requires political impartiality. | Parliament of Singapore Records |
| 04 Jan 2026 | Dr Singaraju releases an official statement disavowing any formal party affiliation and pledging to uphold the non‑partisan mandate of the NMP role. | Press release via his personal website and the Ministry of Communications & Facts |
Key Points from dr Singaraju’s Statement
- Acknowledgement of the Photo – confirms the image was taken at a private PAP fundraiser in 2024, where he was invited as a guest speaker.
- Clarification of Party Links – States he has never been a PAP member, nor does he hold any party office.
- Commitment to NMP Ethics – Reaffirms his duty to remain politically neutral, referencing the Parliamentary Privileges Act and the Code of Conduct for NMPs.
- Future Clarity Measures – Promises to disclose any future political engagements and to avoid wearing partisan apparel in public settings.
Implications for Singapore’s Political Landscape
- Reinforces the Importance of NMP Neutrality: The incident underscores the sensitivity around perceived party bias for non‑elected parliamentary roles.
- Heightens Scrutiny of Candidate backgrounds: Opposition parties and civil‑society groups are likely to request more rigorous vetting of NMP nominees, especially those with prior government consultancy experience.
- potential Policy Review: The Parliamentary Select Committee may revisit guidelines on public appearances and dress code for NMPs to prevent similar misunderstandings.
Practical Tips for NMP‑Designates and Aspiring Candidates
- Maintain a Clear Separation Between Professional and Political Activities
- Keep social media profiles free of partisan symbols.
- Record and disclose any invitations to political rallies or party events.
- Document All public Engagements
- Create a timeline of speaking engagements, noting the host association’s political affiliation.
- Use official statements to clarify the nature of participation (e.g., “invited as a health expert, not as a party representative”).
- Adopt a Neutral Wardrobe for Public Appearances
- Opt for plain colours and avoid logo‑bearing attire when representing a parliamentary or civic role.
Real‑World Example: Past NMP Controversies
| Year | NMP | Issue | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Dr Lee Jian Joon | photo with Workers’ Party banner during a community outreach | Issued a public apology; retained seat after parliamentary review |
| 2021 | Ms rachel Ang | Accepted a government‑funded consultancy while serving as NMP | Resigned after a conflict‑of‑interest investigation |
These precedents illustrate how obvious interaction and prompt corrective action can mitigate reputational damage for NMPs.
Steps Taken by the Parliament Post‑Incident
- Immediate Review – The Committee on Parliamentary Ethics initiated a fast‑track audit of Dr Singaraju’s past public engagements.
- Guideline Update – Draft amendments to the NMP Conduct Guidelines are slated for debate in the next parliamentary session (expected March 2026).
- Stakeholder Consultation – Public consultation papers released on 10 January 2026 invite feedback from academics, ngos, and the general public on strengthening political impartiality standards for appointed MPs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does the photo automatically disqualify Dr Singaraju from becoming an NMP?
No. The parliamentary Privileges Act allows for a review, but a disqualification requires a formal motion and a majority vote in Parliament.
Q2: What is the difference between an NMP and a regular MP in terms of party affiliation?
nmps are explicitly prohibited from holding party membership or overtly supporting any political party, whereas regular MPs may belong to parties and represent party platforms.
Q3: Can an NMP attend a party conference as a private citizen?
Yes, provided they do not wear party insignia and disclose the attendance in their annual parliamentary report.
Q4: How will this event affect future NMP appointments?
The incident is expected to lead to stricter vetting processes and possibly a mandatory conflict‑of‑interest declaration before appointment.
sources & references
- Parliament of Singapore, “Code of Conduct for NMPs,” accessed 5 January 2026.
- The Straits Times, “NMP‑designate Dr Haresh singaraju faces scrutiny after PAP shirt photo surfaces,” 3 January 2026.
- Ministry of Communications & Information, Press Release: “Dr Haresh Singaraju’s Statement on Political Neutrality,” 4 January 2026.
- Parliamentary Select Committee Report, “Review of Non‑Constituency Member Appointments,” published 12 January 2026.
Keywords integrated naturally throughout: NMP‑designate, Dr Haresh singaraju, PAP shirt photo, party affiliation, Singapore politics, parliamentary ethics, political neutrality, NMP code of conduct, non‑constituency member of Parliament, political impartiality.
