KUALA LUMPUR: Thirteen members of the Senate, including six new appointees, took their oath of office on Monday (May 11) before the Senate president, Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah.
The six new appointees are acting Bentong Umno chief Datuk Seri Mohamad Zaini Salleh, Wanita MCA chief Datuk Wong You Fong, Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Johor DAP vice-chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, Sarawak DAP assistant secretary Larry Asap and R.Thiagarajah.
Meanwhile, six senators were reappointed, namely Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan, Datuk Seri Profesor Dr Awang Sariyan, Datuk Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli, Isaiah D. Jacob, Mohd Hasbie Muda and Abun Sui Anyitm.
Abdul Nasir Idris was re-elected by the Kedah State Legislative Assembly.
All six new appointments by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong are for a three-year term from Monday until May 10, 2029, while the reappointments run from March 20 to March 19, 2029.
In his speech, Awang Bemee congratulated the 13 senators and urged them to make the Senate a platform for mature and constructive debate in representing the voices of the states and federal territories.
The Senate president also noted that the world is currently facing challenging geopolitical and economic conditions, including global supply chain disruptions, energy market uncertainty, rising logistics costs and inflationary pressures affecting the cost of living.
"Malaysia’s Parliament is entering an important phase through the enforcement of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 to strengthen the separation of powers.
"The Senate also approved amendments to its standing orders on March 9, including the establishment of five new select committees covering public administration and governance; trade, industry and international relations; food security and the economy; social services, minorities, culture and indigenous affairs; as well as defence and security,” he said.
As such, Awang Bemee urged senators to play an active role in the committees to strengthen the Senate institution and champion public interests.
He said that in today’s digital communication era, senators’ responsibilities extend beyond the chamber and include fostering public understanding of constitutional supremacy, parliamentary democracy and the rule of law.
"Use social media and various communication platforms responsibly to assist the public, strengthen unity and preserve national harmony,” he added. - Bernama
