Abu Zahar: Senators should debate with knowledge, expertise

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KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Negara members should debate based on knowledge and expertise in the interest of the nation’s development and prosperity.

Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang said in this regard, senators were reminded not to mix political issues in their debate as it would be not respectful of the Standing Orders and the Federal Constitution.

“When debating, speak positively and give the best ideas, respect the house and I will allow but do not violate any Standing Orders and the constitution.

“If members do not respect the house, they are not eligible to sit here,” he told a Dewan Negara sitting yesterday, after a swearing-in ceremony for two members, former Selangor DAP deputy chairman T Chandra Mohan and former Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (ABIM) president Associate Prof Dr Muhammad Nur Manuty.

Abu Zahar also reminded Dewan Negara members that they needed to be ready for various challenges as the debate and proceedings demanded stronger commitment from members.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Nur when met at the Parliament lobby, hoped his participation would provide meaningful contributions to the Senate for the wellbeing of the people.

“We hope it will be a platform which will give confidence to the people. I hope senators will debate effectively and exchange ideas even though we have different political ideologies but we must be mature to give constructive views.

Muhammad Nur, 66, holds a bachelor’s degree in Usuludin and Philosophy from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), a master’s degree in religious studies, as well as a doctorate in Islamic Thinking and Comparative Religions from Temple University, Philadelphia, United States.

Muhammad Nur is a new member of the Senate while Chandra Mohan, 62, was re-appointed.

Chandra Mohan, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Science (Human Resources Management) from Western City University, Australia, is an experienced worker rights activist for more than 30 years and is now a part-time lecturer at a private university in Selangor. — Bernama