Singapore Sailing Federation president Ben Tan has thrown his hat into the ring as a candidate for Nominated Member of Parliament, after submitting the necessary forms on Monday.

He is backed by International Olympic Committee member Ng Ser Miang, with Singapore Bowling Federation president Jessie Phua acting as his seconder. Both were previous NMPs.

Tan, a former national sailor and Asian Games gold medallist, said during an interview on Friday morning at the National Sailing Centre that he had in fact been approached to step forward as an NMP more than two years ago, but declined as he was still serving on the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) then.

He said: "You take it more seriously when you're asked a second time, and my chief reason for declining it last time was no longer valid now as I've stepped down from the SSC council."

He added that should he be appointed, he will pursue issues such as building a system that ensures athletes can stay competitive on the world stage so as to bring pride to the country, and using sports as a platform for character development.

Tan, 46, is a full-time doctor and is head of Changi Sports Medicine Centre. He is married with no children.

Members of the public have until May 20 to propose individuals they deem suitable to be an NMP.