Theatre practitioner hopes for success with second attempt to be NMP
SINGAPORE — Two years after an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the House as the Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) representing the arts community, theatre practitioner Kok Heng Leun has thrown his hat into the ring again.
In a press statement Monday (Feb 22), Mr Kok, who is the artistic director of theatre company Drama Box, said he was putting in his nomination for the post with the support and encouragement of individuals in the community.
In 2014, Mr Kok, 50, was nominated to represent the arts community as an NMP, but was not selected.
“You may recall (that) my nomination was also submitted in 2014. At that time, the bid was not successful. I am appreciative of all the generous support and kind words from the community during that submission, and I hope to have the opportunity to represent the community this time around,” he said.
The search for the next batch of NMPs began earlier this month, with the public and the seven functional groups — including business and industry, and media, arts and sports organisations — having until Tuesday (Feb 23) to submit their nominations to an eight-member Special Select Committee helmed by Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob.
Mr Kok said that there is a chance his bid may fail again because there will also be other contenders.
“However, I think we have to try to ensure that the voices of artists and the arts community continue to be heard, so let’s see how the selection goes,” he said.
The arts and culture, Mr Kok added, should have a place in the national conversation. He would like to engage the arts fraternity to identify issues that are important and need to be brought to the attention of policymakers and Singaporeans.
