Mohd Ali, Ras Adiba sworn in as senators

Deputy chairman of Malacca Umno liaison committee Mohd Ali Mohamad and television personality Ras Adiba Radzi have been sworn in as senators at Dewan Negara today before Senate President SA Vigneswaran.

Both of them were appointed for the first time for a period of three years.

Mohd Ali, 56, whose appointment took effect on May 11, will be representing Malacca in the senate, while Ras Adiba (above), 51, who is also the president of OKU Sentral and whose appointment took effect today, will be representing persons with disabilities (OKU).

Mohd Ali’s appointment was announced by Malacca State Assembly Speaker Ab Rauf Yusoh after he garnered 16 out of the 28 state assemblypersons at the State Assembly sitting on May 11.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Mohd Ali said he would definitely bring up the issues of the people, especially the welfare and education of those in rural areas, during the senate sittings.

“I will use both my experience as a teacher of 10 years and as a businessperson to help those in the teaching profession and business community in particular,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Petaling Jaya-born Ras Adiba, who was the third person appointed to represent the OKU community in the senate, described the appointment as an honour to the media industry.

The veteran newscaster and national paralympic athlete said among the issues that she will raise are education, employment and infrastructure for the OKU in the country.

“I can’t wait to start and contribute in the implementation of the OKU Act and addressing the issues of inclusivity and rights of the OKU,” she said.

As a former media practitioner, she said she would also want to see more OKU involvement in the broadcasting and journalism industry.

At the swearing-in ceremony, the senate president also announced the appointment of Muhammad Sujairi Abdullah, 43, as the new senate secretary, effective Feb 22.

- Bernama