The elderly need a voice in Parliament to share their concerns ("Parliament makes call for new NMPs"; Wednesday).

It has been some time since we last had senior citizens serving as Nominated MPs (NMPs).

Orthopaedic surgeon Kanwaljit Soin, during her tenure from 1992 to 1996, pushed for the need to prepare people for living longer, and argued that seniors should stay healthier and financially fit.

During her term as NMP from 2007 to 2009, social work lecturer Kalyani K. Mehta spoke up for the elderly and the caregiving of older people.

Both women distinguished themselves as they were in a better position to share their views and concerns about our fast-ageing population and its resultant impact on our society.

Hence, this time around, it is imperative that we have a senior citizen NMP from the pioneer generation to help articulate sentiments from the ground and convey them accurately in Parliament.

There are experienced and talented people in social institutions who are qualified to represent the elderly.

Without any party affiliation, such NMPs are at liberty to bring up social and economic issues affecting seniors.

Jeffrey Law Lee Beng