OPPOSITION parties have opposed the government’s move to appoint Dr Rais Yatim as the new Dewan Negara president.
The parties said Rais, a former Barisan Nasional minister and now in Bersatu, is not suited for such a role.
The Dewan Negara needed a president who is able to build consensus among members, they said.
“Dewan Negara is by demeanour a more collegiate house and we need a president who is able to build consensus among members.
“We are of the view that Rais Yatim is not suitable for such role,” they said in a statement today.
The statement was signed by senators representing PKR, Amanah, DAP, Pejuang, Warisan and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko).
The opposition also urged the government to negotiate with all political parties represented in the Dewan Negara on the appointment of the new president.
“We urge the government to negotiate on the position of the next president with the aim of electing a president that is acceptable to all.”
Rais was sworn in as a senator in June.
The Negri Sembilan Bersatu chairman told the press previously that he aimed to make the Senate a good example to the people.
He will replace MIC president S.A. Vigneswaran whose term ended in June. – August 28, 2020.
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