By Shikin Louis
KUALA LUMPUR, July 22: Dato Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah has been sworn in as the 21st president of Dewan Negara in Kuala Lumpur today.
The 65-year-old is the fourth Sarawakian appointed to the top post after Tan Sri Datuk Abang Ahmad Urai (1988-1990), Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (2023-2024) and Datuk Mutang Tagal (2024).
Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim nominated Awang Bemee for the position. The nomination was seconded by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal and Institutional Reforms) Dato Sri Azalina Othman Said.
Awang Bemee, who is a former assemblyman for Nangka State constituency, replaces Mutang, who passed away on May 10 due to heart complications.
Awang Bemee was the sole nominee for the post.
In a brief address after taking his oath as Senate president, Awang Bemee thanked Anwar and Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for nominating him to the post.
He also called on the Upper House members to observe a minute of silence over the passing of the late Mutang.
Prior to becoming the Senate president, Awang Bemee was sworn in as a senator on July 15, appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. His term started July 15, 2024 and will end on July 14, 2027.
At the Upper House, Awang Bemee took the oath of office before the acting president of the Dewan Negara, Senator Datuk Seri Nur Jazlan Mohamed.
Awang Bemee was born on June 22, 1959, in Sibu, Sarawak. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree from the University of Malaya in 1983.
He was admitted to the High Court of Borneo Sarawak in 1984 and has been practising as an advocate and solicitor since.
While he is a partner in the legal firm, Messrs. Awang Lai Sandhu and Co, he was also a former member of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly for Nangka constituency from 2004 to 2009.
Since 1997, he has been the chairman of Kuching Port Authority and is currently an independent non-executive director of Sarawak Plantation Berhad (SPB).
On July 4, 2024, he was awarded the Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medal (Silver) by Abang Johari in a ceremony at the State Legislative Assembly Banquet Hall. — DayakDaily
