Former NMP Raj Joshua Thomas joining PAP, is 'prepared' to answer call to run if needed
He explains why he quit being an NMP, and why it was done in the interest of the NMP scheme.
Former Nominated Members of Parliament Raj Joshua Thomas and Syed Harun Alhabsyi made headlines recently after they resigned abruptly from their roles on Feb. 14, 2025.
The timing of the pair's resignation sparked speculation that they might be fielded as candidates for the 2025 General Election, which must be held by November.
In a conversation on
Mothership's podcast, "Mothership Podcast with XQ", Thomas talked about his plans after his resignation.
Watch the podcast episode below.
For one, he confirmed that he has indeed applied for membership with the PAP.
When asked if he was ready to run, Thomas said he was "prepared" to answer the call if needed—whether it be for running in the upcoming General Election, or anything else he is called upon to help the country.
Here's an excerpt from our conversation with Thomas.
1. Why did you quit as an NMP?
"I've been an NMP for four years...and I found during this period that a lot of PAP policies and the way that they did things, it made a lot of sense.
There was an innate logic to it. It looked at things (in the) long term. And one of the things that I truly appreciated was that the PAP government was prepared to take certain actions, even if there was a political cost to it — so if you look at the Allianz matter, for example
There was some discussion, casually, at first about possibly joining the party.
And eventually, when I felt that, yes, that was something that I was prepared to do, that that I could serve in that way and contribute in that way, then I felt I had to resign because I would no longer be able to discharge my NMP duties in a neutral and independent manner, as was required of me."
2. Some say that you're not treating the role of NMP seriously. What is your response to that?
"No, I think on the contrary, when you are in that position as an NMP...you need to be neutral. You need to be non-partisan. And the moment that you feel that you are, you should leave the position.
And that's what I did. The purpose of doing that was precisely to preserve the institution of the NMP, an institution that I continue to have a lot of respect for.
Can you imagine if I had, instead of resigning, just masqueraded? Joined a party and masqueraded, contributing behind the scenes in some way or another, and I continue to give speeches as if I was a neutral NMP. I don't think that would be a tenable situation."
3. The timing of your resignation is a bit sus. GE is round the corner. Are you trying to run as a PAP candidate?
"I think I'll just put it this way: When you know, you know.
When you look at what you can do in a political party—and it's so for any political party—there are many roles that you can play: adviser, grassroots activists...there are many roles that party members play.
So I think we should not be so fixated—I know it is election season now—but maybe we don't have to be so fixated about whether one is going to run or not."
4. So are you running in GE2025?
"This is determined by, of course, the secretary-general of the party, the Prime Minister.
You join a party, you contribute in the way that you can contribute best. And if you are called upon to serve in one capacity or another, then you do so because you've made that commitment.
So this is the preserve of the Prime Minister and we will leave it to him."
5. Why would you align yourself with the PAP? Did you consider the Opposition?
"I mean, honestly, this was not something that I went out and sought.
I did not go to the Opposition and say, 'Hey, do you want me to join you or any other party?'
I think it is something that evolves over time, as you realise that you are more comfortable with each other, and that your views and your values align.
And then I think, naturally, some of these questions may arise, and it naturally did not arise with any of the opposition parties."
6. What do you bring to that Singapore political landscape that no one else can bring?
"I have had a bit of a unique career path. I started off in the civil service, and then I went on to become a lawyer in a big law firm. Then I left legal practice to go into the security industry.
I've been in government, and I've been in law, which is a very different industry from the security industry. So I think what I bring is really that very diverse experience...I think my experience has allowed me to see a whole wide range of Singapore society.
Now I've got a few years of experience in Parliament, so I understand the parliamentary process. So, I think I've got a very unique background and set of experiences that allows me to understand the situation. I can also look at what are the legal considerations, and I can also look at what are the considerations of businesses. So I think this helps me to form a very holistic view and understanding of policies and of bills that may arise."
Check out the video podcast episode here:
Top image: Andrew Koay
