NATIONAL Solidarity Party (NSP) secretary-general Tan Lam Siong has stepped down less than five months after being elected to the position at the opposition party's biennial central executive committee election in January.

An NSP statement last night said that he stepped down "to focus more on his passion for social and community work, and charitable pursuits".

Mr Tan told The Straits Times that he remains a "congress member" - or cadre member - of the party, with voting powers. He did not elaborate on the reasons for his stepping down or say who would succeed him.

The NSP's statement, signed by party president Sebastian Teo, said that during his tenure as secretary-general, Mr Tan had been "energetic and resourceful, putting in place new initiatives and introducing new perspectives into the party".

"While the party is sad to lose him as our secretary-general, we would like to thank him for his contributions during this period and wish him all the best in his pursuits."

When contacted, Mr Teo added that the next secretary-general will be decided on at a party meeting scheduled for next week.