Ahmad Ibrahim sworn in as senator for second term
He took the oath of office before Dewan Negara president Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah.
Ahmad was reappointed by the Sarawak state legislative assembly for a three-year term, effective today and running until July 22, 2028.
Previously, Ahmad, 55, served as a senator from July 22, 2022, until July 21 this year.
Meanwhile, Awang Bemee, in his speech, welcomed Ahmad's reappointment and reminded all senators to remain well-informed on current issues, while upholding the principles and responsibilities of the Dewan Negara as the country's highest legislative body.
At a press conference after the ceremony, Ahmad said that his reappointment was a mandate to continue defending the rights and privileges of Sarawak, within the framework of the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
The Kanowit native pledged to carry out the trust placed in him with greater determination, enthusiasm and dedication, supported by fellow members of the Senate.
"Let us continue to move forward, not merely as a voice of protest, but as a voice of hope - not to divide, but to strengthen unity.
"It is not only about defending Sarawak's place in Malaysia, but also about shaping the future of the nation, with a strong and resolute Sarawakian voice as its backbone,' he said. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
an hour ago
- Sinar Daily
Heated exchange in Parliament over 20-tonne rubbish collected post-rally
Nga clarified that the figure was based on a report by the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp). 28 Jul 2025 02:29pm A heated session unfolded in the Dewan Rakyat sitting today when Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) accused Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming of lying about the 20 tonnes of rubbish collected following Saturday's rally. - Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR - A heated session unfolded in the Dewan Rakyat sitting today when Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) accused Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming of lying about the 20 tonnes of rubbish collected following Saturday's rally. Nga clarified that the figure was based on a report by the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp). Nga was reported as saying that a total of 20 tonnes of rubbish was collected following the rally, adding that cleanup operations were carried out until 3.30am. - Bernama photo He said that the government respects the Federal Constitution and upholds democratic principles by allowing peaceful assemblies, but such gatherings must be conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, including maintaining cleanliness. "This includes maintaining cleanliness, and I was criticising unhygienic behaviour. I never said the Honourable Member for Pendang was the one who littered. "...the 20 tonnes of rubbish mentioned did not come from me. That figure was from the SWCorp report I received. Hundreds of our workers had to be mobilised to clean up the rubbish left behind after the black shirt rally," he said. Yesterday, Nga was reported as saying that a total of 20 tonnes of rubbish was collected following the rally, adding that cleanup operations were carried out until 3.30am. Meanwhile, Nga said that to date, 23 non-sanitary landfills have been safely closed under the Non-Sanitary Landfill Closure and Rehabilitation Plan, adding that another 155 open dumping sites nationwide will be closed in phases throughout the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) period. He said the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), through the National Solid Waste Management Department (JPSPN), is prioritising a progressive transformation from non-sanitary landfills to sanitary landfills equipped with leachate treatment plants, which function to treat the landfill liquid waste. In addition, he stated that the ministry has introduced a reuse approach for closed landfill sites by conducting rehabilitation efforts to ensure they are safe before developing them into public spaces, such as Lestari Parks, solar farms, and community facilities, thereby benefiting the local community. "One example of a successful Lestari Park pilot project is the former landfill site at Felda Bandar Tenggara, which had previously held over 360,000 metric tons of waste since 1999. "Today, spanning 7.56 hectares, it has been transformed into a recreational park with a stroller garden concept, featuring attractively designed landscape elements as well as environmental rehabilitation components for the former landfill site,' he said. He was responding to a question from Manndzri Nasib (BN-Tenggara) on the ministry's actions to address issues of odour and water pollution frequently caused by poorly managed landfill sites. - BERNAMA
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
Heated Exchange In Parliament Over 20-tonne Rubbish Collected Post-rally
KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- A heated session unfolded in the Dewan Rakyat sitting today when Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) accused Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming of lying about the 20 tonnes of rubbish collected following Saturday's rally. Nga clarified that the figure was based on a report by the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp). He said that the government respects the Federal Constitution and upholds democratic principles by allowing peaceful assemblies, but such gatherings must be conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, including maintaining cleanliness. 'This includes maintaining cleanliness, and I was criticising unhygienic behaviour. I never said the Honourable Member for Pendang was the one who littered. "...the 20 tonnes of rubbish mentioned did not come from me. That figure was from the SWCorp report I received. Hundreds of our workers had to be mobilised to clean up the rubbish left behind after the black shirt rally," he said. Yesterday, Nga was reported as saying that a total of 20 tonnes of rubbish was collected following the rally, adding that cleanup operations were carried out until 3.30am. Meanwhile, Nga said that to date, 23 non-sanitary landfills have been safely closed under the Non-Sanitary Landfill Closure and Rehabilitation Plan, adding that another 155 open dumping sites nationwide will be closed in phases throughout the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) period. He said the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), through the National Solid Waste Management Department (JPSPN), is prioritising a progressive transformation from non-sanitary landfills to sanitary landfills equipped with leachate treatment plants, which function to treat the landfill liquid waste. In addition, he stated that the ministry has introduced a reuse approach for closed landfill sites by conducting rehabilitation efforts to ensure they are safe before developing them into public spaces, such as Lestari Parks, solar farms, and community facilities, thereby benefiting the local community.
Malaysiakini
3 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
Vape bans: Slippery slope for legal governance
LETTER | In July 2024, the High Court ruled that the Kedah state government's move to ban gaming licences, effectively shutting down Sports Toto operations in the state, was unconstitutional. The court found that state authorities had overstepped their powers by refusing to renew licences issued under federal law, thereby infringing on the rights of a legally licensed business and violating the Federal Constitution. This landmark ruling is more than just a win for the gaming industry; it underscores a critical principle: state governments cannot override federal law at will. Yet just months later, we are seeing the same pattern emerge again, this time with the vape industry. Kedah has announced it will no longer renew licences for vape-related businesses, with the goal of a complete ban by 2026. Other states such as Pahang, Terengganu and Perlis are following suit. This trend raises urgent questions about the balance of power in our federal system. What started with gaming licences is now extending to vape. Tomorrow, will it be food and beverages? Or wellness and lifestyle services? If states are allowed to selectively shut down federally regulated sectors, Malaysia risks descending into legal fragmentation, where trade and commerce depend more on local politics than national law. Act 852: A necessary legal anchor Rather than allowing states to adopt unilateral bans, the federal government must focus on fully enforcing Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) across the country. Act 852 was passed after years of consultation and debate. It represents a balanced and structured approach to regulating smoking and vaping products, protecting youth, ensuring product safety, and reducing public health risks while allowing regulated access to adults. Its successful enforcement is not just a health issue; it is a legal imperative. If states are allowed to disregard it through political or moralistic motivations, the Act's legitimacy will be compromised. From a legal standpoint, only a consistent, centralised framework can ensure that public health regulations are enforced uniformly, fairly, and in accordance with constitutional principles. Legal uncertainty hurts rule of law, public confidence One of the hallmarks of a sound legal system is predictability. Businesses, consumers, and civil society should be able to rely on a stable set of laws and policies. When that stability is undermined by states choosing to selectively ban certain industries, it weakens the rule of law and opens the door for selective enforcement, politicisation of trade, and judicial overload from legal disputes. This also affects the very communities the bans claim to protect. Instead of driving behaviour change, bans often push products into illicit channels, where there is no age restriction, no safety oversight, and no taxation. This undermines the public health objectives of Act 852 and increases enforcement burdens. The way forward: Uphold the law, not politicise it The lesson from the Sports Toto ruling is clear: state governments do not have the authority to override federal laws with blanket bans. Vape should not be the next legal battleground. The federal government must assert the supremacy of laws passed by Parliament and ensure that public health policies are governed by national interest, not fragmented by state agendas. Act 852 provides the legal tools to regulate the vape industry effectively. What's needed now is not more bans but better enforcement. Malaysia must decide whether it wants to be governed by clear laws or discretionary bans. The answer will determine whether our legal system continues to uphold constitutional order or gives way to a patchwork of conflicting state policies. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
