KUALA LUMPUR: Melaka Umno deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Mohamad and television personality Ras Adiba Radzi have been sworn in as senators at Dewan Negara here before the Senate president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran.
Both of them were appointed for the first time for a three-year term.
Mohd Ali, 56, whose appointment took effect on May 11, will be representing Melaka in the Senate, while Ras Adiba, 51, who is also the president of OKU Sentral, whose appointment took effect yesterday, will be representing persons with disabilities (OKU).
Melaka State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced Mohd Ali’s appointment after he obtained the support of 16 out of the 28 state assemblymen at the State Assembly sitting on May 11.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony yesterday, Mohd Ali said he would bring up the issues of the people, especially the welfare and education of those in rural areas, during Senate sittings.
“I will use both my experience as a teacher of 10 years and as a businessman to help those in the teaching profession and business community in particular, ” he said.
Meanwhile, the Petaling Jaya-born Ras Adiba, who was the third person appointed to represent the OKU community in the Senate, described the appointment as an honour to the media industry.
The veteran newscaster and national paralympic athlete said among the issues that she would raise were education, employment and infrastructure for the OKU in the country.
“I can’t wait to start contributing in the implementation of OKU Act and addressing the issues of the inclusivity and rights of the OKU, ” she said.
As a former media practitioner, she said she would also want to see more OKU involvement in the broadcasting and journalism industry.
At the swearing-in ceremony, the Senate president also announced the appointment of Muhammad Sujairi Abdullah, 43, as the new Senate secretary, effective Feb 22. — Bernama.
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