The six new appointees were acting Bentong Umno chief Zaini Salleh, Wanita MCA chief Wong You Fong, Sabah DAP chairman Phoong Jin Zhe, Johor DAP vice-chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, Sarawak DAP assistant secretary Larry Asap, and R Thiagarajah.
Six others – Low Kian Chuan, Awang Sariyan, Dr Hatta Ramli, Isaiah D Jacob, Hasbie Muda and Abun Sui Anyit – were reappointed.
Abdul Nasir Idris meanwhile was re-elected by the Kedah state legislative assembly.
The six new appointments by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong are for a three-year term from today until May 10, 2029, while the reappointments will run from March 20, 2026 to March 19, 2029.
In his speech, Awang Bemee congratulated the 13 senators and urged them to make the Dewan Negara a platform for mature and constructive debate in representing the voices of the states and federal territories.
He also said that the world is 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.
“Malaysia’s Parliament is entering an important phase through the enforcement of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 to strengthen the separation of powers.
“The Dewan Negara 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.
He urged senators to play an active role in the committees to strengthen the institution and champion public interests.
He also said that in today’s digital communication era, senators’ responsibilities extend beyond the chamber to include fostering public understanding of constitutional supremacy, parliamentary democracy, and the rule of law.
“Use social media and communication platforms responsibly to assist the public, strengthen unity, and preserve national harmony,” he added.