FOUR people were sworn in as senators today following their appointments as ministers in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s cabinet yesterday.

They took their oath of office before Dewan Negara president Dr Rais Yatim in Parliament.

They are Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who was named home minister and former finance minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who was named international trade and industry minister.

Others were Barisan Nasional secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir, who was named foreign minister, and Chief Sharie judge Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, who was given the religious affairs ministerial portfolio.

Saifuddin, Zambry and Na’im were sworn in as senators for their first term while Tengku Zafrul was reappointed upon the consent of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

In his speech at the ceremony, Rais had called on all senators to re-examine the list of collective tasks for their respective key performance indicators beginning next year.

“Let’s reinvigorate the proposed parliamentary institutional reform to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to us,” said Rais, who congratulated the senators for their appointment.

He also congratulated Anwar on his appointment as prime minister.

“Hopefully Malaysia will continue to move forward under the administration of Anwar,” he said.

Rais also conveyed his appreciation to former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. – Bernama, December 3, 2022.