NMP forms resource panel to get feedback; another ‘pressure tests’ ideas before raising them

The youngest in the panel is 19, while the oldest is over 70. Read more at straitstimes.com.

SINGAPORE - A team of 30 individuals ranging from age 19 to over 70 are being tapped by first-term Nominated MP Neo Kok Beng to discuss and raise concerns about issues related to the economy and society.

Dr Neo told The Straits Times that his “resource panel”, which he decided to form after being appointed an NMP in January, held its first monthly online meeting in February ahead of the Budget statement.

“I find it fruitful to have a diversity of people... coming together to discuss and share ideas, and there are many passionate Singaporeans wanting to contribute to the policymaking process,” he said. The members are of different ages, occupations, races and religions, he added.

He first mentioned his panel publicly in a LinkedIn post on Feb 21 where he said he had organised a visit for the team to Parliament House.

The members are volunteers and offer their expertise and experience as they want to contribute to Singapore, said Dr Neo, who is also founder and chief executive of NEO Aeronautics, when asked if the panel members are compensated.

While elected MPs get a monthly allowance of $1,300 to engage a legislative assistant – whose work includes compiling information for use in speeches and questions – Non-Constituency MPs and NMPs are not accorded the benefit.