GE2025: Ex-NMP Raj Joshua Thomas not running for election, was earlier expected to be fielded by PAP

SINGAPORE – Lawyer Raj Joshua Thomas, who resigned as Nominated MP in February and joined the PAP, said he will not be standing in the coming general election.

Writing on social media platforms LinkedIn and Facebook, he said much has been said since he stepped down as an NMP, and he has listened to these views.

Mr Thomas said: “I acknowledge that many of them are fair, even if I do not agree with all of them.

“I will not be running in the upcoming general election. I have instead been spending time on the ground, and would like to earn my stripes first.”

He added that he is grateful to the many people who contacted him and expressed their support.

“I will do my best to keep and build on your trust and confidence in me,” he said.

Mr Thomas, as well as psychiatrist Syed Harun Alhabsyi,

resigned as NMPs on Feb 14

– the first time an NMP has quit before the end of the allocated 2½-year term.

Their move to join a political party attracted criticism from several former NMPs and the public, who said the decision might undermine the non-partisan stance that NMPs are expected to take.

Dr Syed Harun has been making the rounds in Nee Soon GRC.

He was formally introduced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong – who is also PAP secretary-general – as a new candidate on April 17, during the launch of the ruling party’s manifesto.

Mr Thomas added that he will spend more time on the ground to learn the ropes.

He also said he is willing to say more about his plans after the elections are over.

Speaking to The Straits Times, Mr Thomas, who is managing partner at law firm Tang Thomas, said: “The new PAP candidates have just been announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

“Let’s focus on them and the value they bring to the PAP team, as well as the key election issues. I will be happy to share more after the elections.”