Doris Sohpia sworn in as Senate deputy president

Senator Doris Sohpia Brodi took her oath in Parliament today as Senate deputy president.

The 52-year-old Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) women's wing chief who has been a senator since March 12, 2010 is the first woman from Sarawak to be appointed to the position.

Speaking to reporters, Doris said she appreciated the role given to her, describing it as a recognition not only to women in Sarawak but also in the country, and pledged to work with senate president Abu Zahar Ujang to empower the House.

Two other senators, Dr Firdaus Abdullah, 68, and Rahmani @ Rohani Abdullah, 65, also took their oath before Abu Zahar.

Firdaus, who has been re-appointed for a second term and is a visiting research fellow at Universiti Malaya’s Malay Studies Academy, hoped the senate would no longer be looked at as a ‘rubber stamp’ institution as it plays a vital role in upholding the constitution and smooth implementation of the system.

Rahmani, a former English language teacher, is now the Special Officer to Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Shabbery Cheek.

- Bernama