Newly-minted Senate president Abu Zahar Nika Ujang has vowed to revive the prestige and authority of the Upper House.

NONE "Gone are the days where the Dewan Negara is merely a rubber-stamp to pass all the bills presented by the government," said Abu Zahar, who took over the post from Wong Foon Meng, MCA's former secretary general, last week

Abu Zahar ( left ) hosted a media luncheon at Parliament today and told reporters that the Dewan Negara should be revered and respected.

"With all your support and corporation let the Senate become a House with a vision and mission," he told reporters.

Generally docile

The Upper House, which has the power to push any Bill back to the Dewan Rakyat to be debated again, has had a reputation of being sluggish in nature. Senators rarely go against the grain and are reluctant to send bills back for further consideration.

The fresh breed of senators sworn in early this year are committed to change the staid image of the Senate.

pkr national congress 301108 syed husin ali PKR deputy president and senator Syed Ali Husin ( right ) is one such newcomer who is devoted to bringin g the heat back into the senate, to a time when it was a lively, vibrant and respected institution.

When asked if he was ready for the challenge to make the change, Abu Zahar said, "As members of the House, we welcome any criticism. But don't criticise on matters that would jeopardise our harmony, as we live in a multi-cultural country."

He said plans were on hand to transform the Senate, but refused to elaborate further.

Although just sworn in over a week ago, Abu Zahar expressed satisfaction with the performance of the senators.

"I am happy. I have been observing the way the senators debate and I find them more vocal, more willing to debate on issues, and efficient. Their speeches are not emotional and very professional," he added

The 66-year-old said that his vibrant past as a police officer, a lawyer and an assemblyperson as well as a member of parliament has armed him with the necessary skills.

Abu Zahar was the Kuala Pilah assemblyman from 1986 to 1995 before winning the Kuala Pilah parliamentary seat which he held until 1999. He was a lawyer and a special branch personnel before venturing into politics.

Call for professionalism

At the luncheon, the new Senate president emphasised the need to strengthen the rapport between the administration of the House and journalists, adding that the media played an important role in ensuring peace and harmony in the country.

He also stressed that it was important for members of the Dewan to be professional and responsible to the people.

"We are parliamentarians and senators and we swear to abide by the constitution. Don't come into to the Dewan and get emotional. We want professionalism," he said, possibly referring to the behaviour of Lower House MPs during the recent Parliament session .