THE Upper House of Parliament entered a new legislative phase on Monday with the swearing-in of 13 senators, including six newly appointed members representing major political parties from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
The oath-taking ceremony was conducted before Senate president Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah at the Dewan Negara chamber.
The six newly appointed senators are acting Bentong Umno chief Datuk Seri Mohamad Zaini Salleh, Wanita MCA chief Datuk Wong You Fong, Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Johor DAP vice-chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, Sarawak DAP assistant secretary Larry Asap and R. Thiagarajah.
Six senators were also reappointed for another term, namely Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan, Datuk Seri Professor Dr Awang Sariyan, Datuk Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli, Isaiah D. Jacob, Mohd Hasbie Muda and Abun Sui Anyit.
Abdul Nasir Idris, meanwhile, returned to the Senate after being re-elected by the Kedah State Legislative Assembly.
The newly appointed senators will serve a three-year term beginning today until May 10, 2029, while the reappointed senators will hold office from March 20, 2026, until March 19, 2029.
In his address to the chamber, Awang Bemee urged senators to strengthen the Dewan Negara’s role as a platform for mature, constructive and responsible debate, particularly in representing the interests of states and federal territories.
He said Malaysia was entering a critical parliamentary transition period at a time when the world faced intensifying geopolitical uncertainty and economic volatility.
“The world is currently facing challenging geopolitical and economic conditions, including global supply chain disruptions, energy market uncertainty, rising logistics costs and inflationary pressures affecting the cost of living,” Bernama reported him saying.
Awang Bemee also highlighted the implementation of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 as a significant milestone in reinforcing the separation of powers within Malaysia’s democratic framework.
“Malaysia’s Parliament is entering an important phase through the enforcement of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 to strengthen the separation of powers,” he said.
He further noted that the Senate had approved amendments to its standing orders on March 9, paving the way for the establishment of five new select committees covering governance, trade and international relations, food security and the economy, social and indigenous affairs, as well as defence and national security.
“The Senate also approved amendments to its standing orders on March 9, including the establishment of five new select committees covering public administration and governance; trade, industry and international relations; food security and the economy; social services, minorities, culture and indigenous affairs; as well as defence and security,” he said.
Awang Bemee urged senators to play a more active role within the committees to strengthen parliamentary institutions and better represent public interests.
He also stressed that lawmakers must engage responsibly with the public beyond parliamentary proceedings, particularly through digital communication platforms.
“Use social media and various communication platforms responsibly to assist the public, strengthen unity and preserve national harmony,” he added. - May 11, 2026
