Awang Bemee thanks Premier for nominating him as senator

KUCHING: Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, who was sworn in as a senator in the Dewan Negara today, has pledged to uphold and defend the Constitution.

“In my oath of office, I pledged to earnestly and honestly fulfil my duties as a Member of the Senate to the best of my ability and to faithfully uphold and defend the Constitution of Malaysia,” he said.

He was speaking at a press conference after taking his oath of office before Dewan Negara deputy president Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed at the Dewan Negara.

Awang Bemee also took the opportunity to thank Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for nominating him as a senator.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for accepting the nomination,” he said.

Asked about the appointment, he said whether the appointment is representative from the region or state, the focus remains on the nations’ struggle.

“In the Dewan Negara, we have representatives from regions and states — two from the region and state, two from the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, one from the Federal Territory of Putrajaya, and one from the Federal Territory of Labuan.

“Therefore, all regions and states have a voice in the Senate. Together, we play our roles in shaping our nation.

“We are all committed to upholding and defending the Constitution,” he said.

On his hopes and aspirations for the Senate from the perspective of Sarawak, Awang Bemee said he was grateful that a Sarawakian has been given the recognition and opportunity to serve the nation.

“Our hope is to provide the best service for our country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Awang Bemee, who is also the former Nangka assemblyman, is expected to take over as Dewan Negara president and be sworn in on July 22, coinciding with Sarawak Day.