By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Feb 22: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Dr James Masing lamented that his party had not been given a representative to the Malaysian Upper House or Dewan Negara.
The party’s first and only representative was Deputy Dewan Negara Speaker Datuk Seri Doris Brodie.
As such, he requested Senator Mohd Yusmadi, the leader of a delegation made up of senators who paid a courtesy call on him at his office here today, to assist PRS on this matter.
“The number should be increased from the current number. After all, senators should comprise of people from different disciplines and ethnic groups, and we should utilise their expertise to move Malaysia forward,” said Masing.
Masing, who is a deputy chief minister, also suggested that Dewan Negara be given back the power it used to have years back.
“However, of late, Dewan Negara’s power had eroded through the passing of laws by the Malaysian Parliament. These laws must be amended to allow for the restoration of power to the Malaysian Upper House.
“Malaysia must render them (senators) due recognition so that they will give us their best. And proper recognition means greater responsibilities by the senators,” he said, adding that he was confident that the new Federal Government would give the Upper House its proper power back.
On another issue, Masing was pleased to know that senators were able to discuss issues of importance to the people, and they had stood with one voice, regardless of their political affiliations.
Among those present during the visit were PRS deputy president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum and Senator Datuk Paul Igai from Progressive Democratic Party. — DayakDaily
