"NCMPs are like duckweed." Years ago, Mr Low Thia Khiang used this metaphor to describe Non-Constituency MPs (NCMPs)—floating, rootless, and without a constituiency to call home.

In 2006, Sylvia Lim lived that reality. Sitting in Parliament as an NCMP with Mr Low as the only elected Workers' Party MP, she couldn't even vote on the Budget. She had a voice, but no teeth.

Today, the landscape has shifted. Andre and Eileen sit down with the Party Chair to unpack the journey from a "party of one" to a legislative team that tables amendments and challenges Bills. They discuss the "trial by fire" of their first quarter, the reality of having full voting rights without a constituency to call home, and whether the "duckweed" label still sticks in 2025.

00:00 – Intro: Welcome to This Side of the House

00:48 – Flashback 2006: Sylvia Lim on being an NCMP with Low Thia Khiang

03:31 – "I cannot vote": How NCMP rights have changed

04:56 – The "Duckweed" Metaphor: Floating without roots

09:34 – Behind the scenes: Crafting our maiden speeches

16:34 – Not Just "No": Why we proposed amendments to the Online Safety Bill

21:15 – "Mr Low was alone": From a party of one to a team

25:32 – NCMP vs NMP: What is the actual difference?

28:01 – Conclusion: Demystifying Parliament