KUALA LUMPUR: Two senators took their oath of office before Dewan Negara president Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah on Wednesday (Sept 24).
They are Johor MCA Liaison Committee treasurer Datuk Ng Keng Heng and the Siamese Public Sector Employees Club (KESSA) chairman and former Kuala Kangsar Sessions Court Judge Niran Tan Kran.
Ng was a new appointment by the Johor State Legislative Assembly, with his term running from Sept 11, 2025, to Sept 10, 2028, while Niran was appointed by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, effective today until Sept 23, 2028.
In his welcoming speech, Awang Bemee advised senators to remain attentive to current issues, including Malaysia's role in easing regional tensions, such as mediating for peace between Asean member states like Thailand and Cambodia.
"We must reflect on these matters and play our role as lawmakers to ensure that the national interest is always safeguarded," he said.
Meanwhile, at a press conference, Ng emphasised his commitment to focusing on the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which he described as the backbone of the country's economy, noting his active involvement in the Tiong Hua Chamber of Commerce.
He also pledged to bring Johor's development agenda to the Dewan Negara to ensure it could be realised for the benefit of the people.
Niran, meanwhile, viewed his appointment as an opportunity to contribute to discussions on current legal issues, including the proposal to separate the functions of the Attorney-General and the Public Prosecutor, as well as efforts to update outdated laws to make them more relevant to present needs. – Bernama
