The decision by Ms Lee Li Lian of the Workers' Party to not take up the Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) post after her loss in the recent general election sets a precedent ("WP's top three losing candidates declared as NCMPs"; Sept 17).

An NCMP seat must not become tradable and simply passed on to the next candidate in line, just to fulfil the quota.

Certain criteria must be met. I suggest that a candidate should have garnered at least 40 per cent of the vote before being considered.

The opposition has made a clarion call for Singapore to have a First World Parliament.

Therefore, it is only fair that taxpayers are presented with MPs of substance and who are dedicated to serving their constituents.

Goh Boon Teck