FOUR senators today took their oath of office before Dewan Negara president Rais Yatim.

They are S. Vell Paari, who was appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Mohamad Apandi Mohamad (appointed by the Kelantan assembly), and Ahmad Yahaya and Othman Aziz (appointed by the Kedah assembly).

Rais welcomed the appointments, and stressed that the chamber must focus on people-centric issues and avoid being a “political arena”.

“We must put aside party-based political ideologies as much as possible, and generate quality debate that contributes to nation-building.

“Let’s be united and make this assembly a respected place.” – Bernama, September 2, 2020.