Kelantan Umno deputy chairman Fatmi Che Salleh and Negeri Sembilan DAP vice-chairman A Kesavadas Nair took their oaths in a ceremony at Dewan Negara.

Fatmi’s appointment was a new one made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong while Kesavadas Nair’s was a reappointment by the Negeri Sembilan state legislative assembly, both for a three-year term.

In his speech, Rais reminded them to do their best as senators, including contributing to efforts to transform Parliament.

He said efforts to transform Parliament should be hastened by restoring the Parliamentary Services Act 1963 and amending the Houses of Parliament Act on privileges and powers, so that the integrity of Parliament would remain high.

“I sincerely hope that initiatives under the agenda for transformation of Parliament can lead to enhancing the reputation of Parliament as an institution which defends the people’s interests and upholds the values of democracy.

“It would also be good if there are joint efforts to continue to adopt Rukun Negara as a national charter for statehood, political struggle and the people of Malaysia,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kesavadas Nair pledged to continue championing various issues concerning Negeri Sembilan, especially on health and tourism.

Fatmi said he would bring fresh ideas to Dewan Negara and suggest improvements to bills brought before the House.