On 6 April 2009, the Special Select Committee on Nominations for Appointment as Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) had invited the general public and functional groups to submit names of persons for its consideration for appointment as NMPs. The closing date for the submission of names was 11 May 2009.

A total of 46 Proposal Forms had been received:

- 31 from the general public; and

- 15 from the six functional groups representing organizations from business and industry; social and community services; media, arts and sports; the professions; labour movement; and tertiary education institutions.

The Special Select Committee has consulted with elected Members of Parliament seeking their views and comments on the persons proposed in accordance with section 2(3) of the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of Singapore. Furthermore, the views of the referees on the persons proposed have also been obtained.

The Special Select Committee will be meeting to consider eligible candidates in June 2009. When finalized, the list of persons nominated by the Committee will be forwarded to the President for his appointment.

The members of the Special Select Committee are:

Speaker Abdullah Tarmugi (Chairman)
Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Minister, Prime Minister?s Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for Transport
Mr Low Thia Khiang
Mr Mah Bow Tan, Minister for National Development
Mr Masagos Zulkifli BMM, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Home Affairs
Mr Michael Palmer
Mr Sam Tan Chin Siong
Mrs Josephine Teo

Enacted in 1990, the NMP scheme provides for persons who have distinguished themselves or have special knowledge, expertise and practical experience in the professions, commerce, industry, culture, labour, tertiary education, social service, media and sports sectors to contribute to the political process through the presentation of wide-ranging, independent and non-partisan views in Parliament.