Six New Senators Sworn In As Senate Urged To Strengthen Parliamentary Institution
KUALA LUMPUR: Thirteen members of Malaysia’s Senate, including six newly appointed senators, officially took their oath of office today before Senate president Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah.
Among the newly appointed senators are acting UMNO Bentong chief Mohamad Zaini Salleh, MCA Women’s chief Wong You Fong, Sabah DAP chairman Phoong Jin Zhe, Johor DAP vice-chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, Sarawak DAP assistant secretary Larry Asap and R. Thiagarajah.
Also sworn in were six reappointed senators namely Low Kian Chuan, Awang Sariyan, Mohd Hatta Md Ramli, Isaiah D. Jacob, Mohd Hasbie Muda and Abun Sui Anyitm.
Meanwhile, Abdul Nasir Idris was re-elected by the Kedah State Legislative Assembly to continue representing the state in the Senate.
All new appointments made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong are effective for a three-year term ending on May 10, 2029, while the reappointed senators will serve until March 19, 2029.
In his address, Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah urged senators to make the Dewan Negara a platform for mature, ethical and constructive debate that benefits the people.
He said senators should play a more active role in addressing national issues involving the economy, public welfare, food security and increasingly complex geopolitical challenges.
According to him, the world is currently facing global economic uncertainty, rising logistics costs, supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures that directly affect the public.
“Malaysia’s Parliament is entering an important phase through the implementation of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 to strengthen the separation of powers and democratic institutions,” he said.
He also noted that the Senate had approved amendments to its standing orders, including the formation of five new select committees aimed at enhancing the institution’s effectiveness.
The committees cover public administration and governance, trade and international relations, food security and the economy, social services and minority affairs, as well as national defence and security.
As such, Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah expressed hope that senators would actively contribute within the committees to ensure public concerns continue receiving attention.
He also reminded senators that their responsibilities now extend beyond parliamentary proceedings and include engaging with the public through digital communication and social media platforms.
According to him, social media should be used responsibly to improve public understanding of parliamentary democracy, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law while strengthening national unity.
-wilayah.com.my
