Some newbies seasoned enough to hit the ground running

PETALING JAYA: They are newbies in Parliament, but for a group of seasoned politicians, they will hit the ground running as they were former state assemblymen.

Some such as Dr Halimah Ali from PAS, had cut her teeth as a former Selangor executive councillor besides being the Selat Klang assemblyman for two terms.

All set: (From left) Halimah (Kapar), Aiman Athirah (Sepang) and Manndzri (Tenggara) are ready to represent their constituencies at the Dewan Rakyat.

Now as the new Kapar MP, under Perikatan Nasional, Halimah said she will raise all the necessary issues from her constituency in the Dewan Rakyat.

“I am planning to highlight various issues, including the need for extra schools as well as more facilities for the youth in my area,” she said.

Halimah will be among the 95 new MPs who will be attending the Dewan Rakyat for the first time today.

Tampin MP Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa said he is also looking forward to bringing local issues to the Dewan Rakyat and supporting policies raised by Barisan Nasional.

The Umno politician had been Gemencheh assemblyman, in Negri Sembilan, since 2013.

“Of course there is some excitement (to being in Dewan Rakyat), but I believe it will not be much different from the state assembly sittings,” he said,

For former Pakatan senator and newly elected Sepang MP Aiman Athirah Sabu being in Dewan Rakyat would just be a continuation of her previous role in Parliament.

“Of course, it will be a fresh pledge for service to the people and the country that we love and all MPs need to realise that we are all in Parliament to provide our best services to the people,” said Aiman, who is also the newly appointed Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister.

Tenggara MP Manndzri Nasib said that he was thankful to be given the chance to represent his constituency in Dewan Rakyat.

“We (Barisan MPs) will voice out the Rakyat’s concern and any issues based on rationality to improve our country,” he said.

Gerik MP Fathul Huzir Ayob said that he has mixed feelings about attending the first day of Parliament.

“Personally, it is a bit strange for me due to the latest political development but as a newcomer, I will observe all the senior MPs on the decorum and how to participate actively and act in the Dewan Rakyat.

“Whatever it is, we will follow all the decisions of our top leadership,” said the Perikatan lawmaker from Bersatu.