Be more proactive, Senate told as new members take oath

KUALA LUMPUR: Two senators have taken their oath of office before Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

They are Tabung Amanah Pendidikan Negeri Melaka general manager Datuk Mustafa Musa and Susan Chemerai Anding who was reappointed as a senator for a second term.

Mustafa’s appointment is the choice of Melaka legislative assembly members effective July 31 until July 30, 2026; while Susan was reappointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong with effect from yesterday until Aug 20, 2026.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at Dewan Negara here yesterday.

Meanwhile, Wan Junaidi reminded all senators to think maturely and be free of any external and personal influence, especially those of a political nature.

In addition, he also suggested senators be more proactive and creative in ensuring that their intellectual opinions are communicated to the people through the mass media and also social media.

“Currently, the debate inputs from the Dewan Negara have received less media attention in general and may give the perception to the public that the Upper House has less impact as one of the branches of the legislative body in the implementation of the Malaysian Constitution.

“Therefore, I hope that this situation will soon change to wider and more comprehensive media coverage in the upcoming (Dewan Negara) sittings.

“It is important for the people in general to know that the productive and critical opinions and inputs from the Honourable Members of the Dewan Negara play an important role in approving the motions brought from the Dewan Rakyat,” he said. — Bernama