Former Nangka rep Awang Bemee sworn in as Senator

Awang Bemee (right) taking his oath as Senator at Dewan Negara on July 15, 2024. Screenshot taken from a Malaysian Parliament YouTube livestream.

By Ling Hui

KUCHING, July 15: Former Nangka assemblyman Dato Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah has been sworn in as a Senator at Dewan Negara in Kuala Lumpur today.

In a live broadcast on the Malaysian Parliament’s YouTube channel, the 65-year-old took his oath of office before Dewan Negara deputy president Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

His appointment, which received consent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, will be effective today until July 14, 2027.

On top of this appointment, Awang Bemee is expected to take over as Dewan Negara president, a position left vacant following the passing of the late Datuk Mutang Tagal on May 10 due to heart complications.

According to reliable sources, Awang Bemee’s name was submitted by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as a nominee for Dewan Negara’s top post.

It is expected that Awang Bemee will be nominated as Dewan Negara president on July 22 which coincides with Sarawak Day.

Awang Bemee was born on June 22, 1959, in Sibu, Sarawak. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree from the University of Malaya in 1983.

He was admitted to the High Court of Borneo Sarawak in 1984 and has been practising as an advocate and solicitor since.

While he is a partner in the legal firm, Messrs. Awang Lai Sandhu and Co, he was also a former member of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly for Nangka constituency from 2004 to 2009.

Since 1997, he has been the chairman of Kuching Port Authority and is currently an independent non-executive director of Sarawak Plantation Berhad (SPB).

On July 4, 2024, he was awarded the Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medal (Silver) by Abang Johari in a ceremony at the State Legislative Assembly Banquet Hall. — DayakDaily