KUALA LUMPUR: Former Nangka assemblyman Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah of Sarawak was appointed as Dewan Negara president yesterday.
Awang Bemee was sworn in before Dewan Negara deputy president Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed at a full sitting of the upper House.
He succeeded Datuk Mutang Tagal, also a Sarawakian, who passed away on May 10.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim proposed Awang Bemee, who was the sole candidate, as the nominee for the position.
“Indeed, he has extensive experience. I have ensured that he agrees to serve if elected,” he said, Bernama reported.
On July 15, Awang Bemee, 65, was sworn in as Senator for a term until July 14, 2027.
He was Nangka state assemblyman for three terms from 1996 to 2011.
Awang Bemee has been the chairman of Kuching Port Authority and director of Sarawak Plantation Bhd.
He is also an experienced legal practitioner, handling civil and criminal cases since being admitted as an advocate and solicitor in 1984.
Born on June 22, 1959, in Sibu, Awang Bemee holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Universiti Malaya.
Awang Bemee, in his speech, described the appointment as an honour.
“Today is not only a historic day for me to be chosen as the 21st president of the Dewan Negara. Today, Sarawak, as one of the regions that formed Malaysia, celebrates Sarawak Day,” he said.
Awang Bemee pledged to fulfil his duties honestly and to the best of his ability, pledging loyalty to Malaysia and preserving, protecting and defending the Federal Constitution.
“This is a great honour expressed by my fellow senators to me.
“On behalf of the House, I wish Sarawakians a Happy Sarawak Day. Let us pray for continued progress and prosperity,” he added.The newly appointed Dewan Negara president then called for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for Mutang.
