Former Nangka rep is Dewan Negara president

Former Nangka assemblyperson Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah was today appointed as the 21st president of the Dewan Negara.

He succeeds Mutang Tagal, who died on May 10 this year.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim proposed Awang Bemee, who was the sole candidate, as the nominee for the position at the Second Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament today.

“He is a native of Sarawak who has served at the High Court of Borneo, Sarawak, since 1984 and has extensive experience handling various cases at all levels of courts, including the Federal Court.

“He has been the chairperson of the Kuching Port Authority since 1998 and previously served as a Sarawak state assemblyperson for three terms.

“Indeed, he has extensive experience and, according to Standing Order 2(1), I have ensured that he agrees to serve if elected,” he said.

The Dewan Negara observed a minute of silence to honour and remember Mutang.

Awang Bemee expressed the condolences of Dewan Negara to the family of the deceased before asking all members of the house to stand for a moment of prayer.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of the late speaker. He is a committed leader in fulfilling his responsibilities, he was even on assignment to lead the country’s delegation to the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku, Azerbaijan (before his passing).

“He is also a person concerned about the welfare of members of this house as well as all officers and staff, therefore his departure is deeply felt and is a great loss to the country,” he said in his speech after being appointed to the position in Dewan Negara, today.

Historical appointment

Mutang was named the 20th Dewan Negara president and was sworn in on Feb 19.

His appointment created history when the late president, who hailed from Lawas, Sarawak, became the first leader from the Lun Bawang tribe to be appointed to the position.

The late president who was a lawyer, served as MP for Bukit Mas, Sarawak, from 1982 to 1990.

He left behind his wife Ho May Leng and three children.

- Bernama

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