They are S Vell Paari (appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong), Mohamad Apandi Mohamad (appointed by the Kelantan state assembly), Ahmad Yahaya and Othman Aziz (appointed by the Kedah state assembly).

All four were sworn in as senators at a ceremony held at the Dewan Negara here.

In welcoming the new members, Rais emphasised that the focus should be on issues of interest to the people. He also advised them to avoid turning the Dewan Negara into a political arena.

“We shall put aside party-based political ideology as much as possible and generate quality debate which can contribute to nation building.”