Awang Bemee was sworn in at 11.05am before deputy Dewan Negara president Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

In a press conference, he said he appreciated the fact that a Sarawakian had been given the honour of serving in the upper house.

“I will serve to the best of my abilities for the nation,” he added.

Yesterday, the Dayak Daily reported that Awang Bemee was expected to be made the Dewan Negara president, succeeding Mutang Tagal.

Mutang, the first Sarawakian to hold the post, died in May this year after just short of three months as Dewan Negara president.

According to the Dayak Daily, Sibu-born Awang Bemee was called to the Bar in 1984 and is a practising solicitor.

He served as Nangka assemblyman from 2004 to 2009.

He has been chairman of the Kuching Port Authority since 1997 and is currently an independent non-executive director of Sarawak Plantation Bhd.