A TOTAL of 16 senate members took their oath of office before Dewan Negara president Rais Yatim today.

They include Kedah assemblyman Abdul Nasir Idris, Kedah PAS secretary Musodak Ahmad, A. Lingeshwaran, Amir Ghazali, and Parti Cinta Sabah president Anifah Aman.

Nasir and Musodak were appointed by the Kedah legislative assembly effective today, while Lingeshwaran and Amir’s appointment by the Penang assembly came into effect on March 7. 

Anifah’s appointment from today, was with the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to represent the Federal Territory of Labuan.

Those whose appointment was consented to by the king were Isaiah D. Jacob representing the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysian Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Low Kian Chuan.

The other senators are Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka board of governors chairman Prof Awang Sariyan, Mohd Hatta Md Ramli, Sivaraj Chandran, Mohd Hasbie Muda, Abun Sui Anyit, Noorita Sual and Roderick Wong Siew Lead.

Meanwhile, Manolan Mohamad was reappointed as senator by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong with effect from today, while Yayasan Amal Malaysia president Hussin Ismail was appointed by the Terengganu assembly from March 15.

They were sworn in as senators at a ceremony held at the Dewan Negara today.

Rais, in welcoming the new members, urged them to play their role in enhancing the principles of the Rukun Negara in addition to abiding by the constitution and the laws.

Speaking to reporters, Awang said he will work on elevating the national language and culture, and hopes to receive a positive response from elected representatives and the government on the matter.

“This (appointment) is a recognition for all language activists, education and cultural activists. I am just voicing our struggle together,” he said.

Former foreign minister Anifah in a statement expressed his sincere appreciation to Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for their support and trust in him.

Anifah said he is committed to upholding the principles of democracy, good governance and the rule of law, and looks forward to contributing to meaningful discussions and debates that will shape Malaysia’s future and strengthen its position on the global stage. – Bernama, March 20, 2023.