The three opposition MPs - Mr Chiam See Tong (Potong Pasir), Mr Low Thia Khiang (Hougang) and Non-Constituency MP Sylvia Lim - as well as the nine NMPs have been invited, said the Prime Minister's press secretary, Mr Chen Hwai Liang.

About 50 principals and teachers from various neighbourhood schools and 50 unionists will also be attending the event at the National University of Singapore's Cultural Centre.

Several NMPs said they were looking forward to it.

Ms Cham Hui Fong welcomed the chance to hear the views and see the immediate reactions of fellow MPs to whatever Mr Lee might have to say.

On the move to invite opposition MPs and NMPs for the first time, Mr Siew Kum Hong said: 'I think that NMPs, and for that matter opposition MPs, should be invited as a matter of course. It is a national event.'

Added Mr Edwin Khew: 'It reflects PM's wish that Singapore becomes more inclusive.'