SINGAPORE, April 1 -- Singapore's Constitution explicitly allows a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) to join a political party after resigning from the position, said Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam yesterday.

He addressed speculation surrounding former NMPs Raj Joshua Thomas and Dr Syed Harun Taha Alhabsyi, who resigned on February 14.

CNA reported that Thomas has joined the People's Action Party (PAP), while Dr Syed Harun has not confirmed his political affiliation but has recently attended community events with Nee Soon advisers, including Shanmugam.

"If you look at the Constitution, it expressly provides for an NMP to step down as an NMP and... join a political party and take part in elections," Shanmugam told reporter...