Blogger Roy Ngerng and paralympian William Tan apply to be NMPs

Roy Ngerng Yi Ling speaking during a three-hour protest rally at Speakers’ Corner in Hong Lim Park on 8 June 2013. Mr Ngerng took to social media on Wednesday morning to announce he has applied to be a Nominated Member of Parliament(NMP). -- PHOTO:
Roy Ngerng Yi Ling speaking during a three-hour protest rally at Speakers’ Corner in Hong Lim Park on 8 June 2013. Mr Ngerng took to social media on Wednesday morning to announce he has applied to be a Nominated Member of Parliament(NMP). -- PHOTO: ST FILE 

SINGAPORE - Blogger Roy Ngerng took to social media on Wednesday morning to announce he has applied to be a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP).

Another who has stepped forward to be considered is National Cancer Centre physician Dr William Tan, who in 2007 became the first wheelchair user to complete a marathon at the North Pole. The 56-year-old was nominated by Mr Alvin Lim, the chief executive officer of non-profit organisation BizLink, and hopes to champion equal opportunites for people with disabilities.

Meanwhile, Mr Ngerng, 33, posted on Facebook that his NMP proposal was submitted by fellow blogger Han Hui Hui on Tuesday. The health-care worker said Ms Han had proposed the idea to him three weeks ago, and he agreed.

Mr Ngerng, who has been running political blog The Heart Truths for two years, said he has spoken up on issues like CPF, education, health care and wages online and is looking for a chance to share these views in Parliament. He hopes to see an increase in health-care spending and the salaries of low-wage workers, among others.

"It will be a good opportunity to have a larger, national platform to allow these issues more open airing, so we can take a look at what is happening in Singapore with more transparency and accountability," said Mr Ngerng.

He has been in the news this week after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong sent him a letter of demand dated May 18, calling for him to take down a blog post alleging that CPF funds have been "misappropriated". Mr Ngerng took the post down on Monday night.

"Some Singaporeans who read my blogs have shared their concers with me as well, and I think it would be in their interest too if I have the chance to represent them in Parliament," said Mr Ngerng.

"I haven't been able to engage the PM in a conversation about CPF. All I received is the letter of demand. So Parliament could be a chance for me to have a constructive and decent exchange on the issue. It would be an opportunity for both Singaporeans and the Government to discuss CPF more constructively, and I could be the bridge to do so."

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