 The NMP scheme was introduced in 1990 and serves to introduce into Parliament alternative , independent and non @-@ partisan views from minorities and experts . This is said to effectively raises the level of political discourse . Women , for example , who are usually under @-@ represented in parliament , may be appointed as an NMP to provide alternate views . A special select committee of Parliament nominates candidates to be appointed as NMPs by the President on the advice of the Cabinet . In 2010 , the number of NMPs was increased from six to nine . NMPs share the same powers and privileges as NCMPs . 
