From NCMPs to Leader of the Opposition - how Parliament has evolved

The move to give Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh more duties and privileges as the officially designated Leader of the Opposition is a significant step in recognising Singaporeans' desire for more political diversity. The Straits Times looks at how Singapore's parliamentary system has evolved through the years.

Nominated Members of Parliament at their swearing-in ceremony on July 20, 2009. Each NMP serves a term of 21/2 years and may be reappointed. PHOTO: MICA
Nominated Members of Parliament at their swearing-in ceremony on July 20, 2009. Each NMP serves a term of 2 ½ years and may be reappointed. PHOTO: MICA
Senior Political Correspondent
  • Published
    Jul 30, 2020, 5:00 am SGT
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As the anti-colonial independence movement gathered steam in the 1950s, the British set up a commission in 1953 to recommend changes to Singapore's constitutional system.

A key outcome of this was the formation of the Legislative Assembly - the predecessor to the Parliament of Singapore - in 1955.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 30, 2020, with the headline 'From NCMPs to Leader of the Opposition - how Parliament has evolved'. Subscribe
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