KUALA LUMPUR: Three senators took their oath of office before Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim on Wednesday (Dec 22).
They are PAS Muslimat (women's wing) chief Nuridah Mohd Salleh, Sabah Umno Wanita information chief Noraini Idris and Berjaya Corporation Berhad executive director Datuk Seri Zurainah Musa.
Nuridah has been re-appointed to a senatorship by the Terengganu state assembly for another term from Nov 29 this year to Nov 28, 2024.
Noraini and Zurainah are new appointments by the Sabah state assembly and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, respectively.
Noraini’s appointment took effect on Dec 10 and continues until Dec 9, 2024; while Zurainah’s appointment is effective from Wednesday until Dec 21, 2024.
The three were sworn in at a ceremony held in the Dewan Negara here.
In his speech, Rais, reminded them to shoulder their responsibilities to the best of their abilities and fulfil the oaths they had taken.
He said Senate members must act in line with the agenda of the Dewan Negara’s transformation because if they fail to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to them, they would be judged by the people.
"In that context, let us together downplay the political role in this august hall and enlarge our role for the country," he said.
Rais also stressed Standing Order 13 (2) of the Senate which provides that it may, upon a motion to be decided without amendment or debate and which may be made without notice and shall take precedence over all other business, decide to proceed to any particular business out of the regular order.
"I have to emphasise that this provision is not in the Dewan Rakyat and unfortunately this provision is rarely used in this august House.
"For example, at a time when we are dealing with this monsoon, not a single motion was made, we regard the current situation like any other day.
"This should be changed... let us work together and hopefully, with the inclusion of these three senators, there will be change,” he added. – Bernama