KUALA LUMPUR: Two individuals took their oaths as Senators before Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim, today.
They were Datuk Wira Koh Nai Kwong who is the Melaka Assemblyman and Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian who was appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Rais, in his welcoming speech, wants Koh and Jaziri to draw upon their respective experiences and professions to contribute to Senate sessions, encompassing all aspects, in line with the position of the Dewan Negara as the highest legislature body in the country.
"To all Honourable Members, discharge your responsibilities as members of the Senate to your level best.
"The lines of thought presented must be thorough, authoritative and intellectual, to represent the voices of the people, including the state and minority groups such as Orang Asli, or non-governmental organisations (NGOs), without leaving anyone out, " he said.
Koh, 59, who is also Alor Gajah MP, is Melaka MCA deputy chairman; while Jaziri, 42, is Sarawak Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairman.
in his speech, Rais also elaborated on the roles of the Joint Committee of People's Well-being, announced on Dec 10, as a reminder to all Senators to carry out their duties across party interests.
"The committee is a platform to gather ideas, energy and expertise to ensure the welfare of the people and interest of the nation are met," Rais said.
Therefore, Rais said he welcomes all committee members, comprising the members of Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, as a platform to discuss various issues on the people's interest.
"It is our hope that the interest of the people is taken up by all members, not only during debates in the houses, but also via the committee in future," he said. - BERNAMA