Anifah Aman, Sivaraj, Hatta Ramli among 16 senators sworn in
KUALA LUMPUR - Sixteen Senators were sworn in as Dewan Negara members before Dewan Negara Speaker Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim on Monday.
Rais said the appointment brought the overall total of Dewan Negara members to 64.
He hoped those appointed will perform their duties in accordance to the constitution.
"Members must have the best qualities to read, examine all issues and bills, channel thoughts for the good of Malaysia and hold the responsibility towards developing the nation.
"Every member must protect, preserve and defend the constitution.
"As the nation's upper house, Dewan Negara functions similarly to the House of Lords in United Kingdom," he said.
Five of the Senators were chosen by the State Assemblies were Abdul Nasir Idris and Musoddak Ahmad chosen from Kedah, R A Lingeshwaran and Amir Ghazali (Penang) and Hussin Ismail from Terengganu.
11 Senators were appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. They are Datuk Seri Anifah Aman (Labuan), Isaiah D Jacob (Kuala Lumpur), Manolan Mohamad (reappointed), Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan, Profesor Datuk Seri Dr Awang Sariyan, Datuk Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli, Datuk C Sivaraj, Mohd Hasbie Muda, Abun Sui Anyit, Noorita Sual dan Roderick Wong Siew Lead.
Rais reminded members appointed should not be afraid, anxious and divisive in upholding the truth.
"Senators must also examine all powers and everything recorded by Dewan Rakyat or discussed in Dewan Negara.
"It is important for us to stand together to appreciate and practice the Rukun Negara. Members must gather the energy to re-energise the pillars.
"As leaders what we do as public servants in this council is to find methods of ensuring a society that is polite, highly cultured and the ability to repeat past excellence in independence as well as developing the nation," he said.
