PRS wants a senator post from among its members

KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) wants a senator appointed from among its members.

Its president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing said he has sought the assistance of Senator Mohamad Yusmadi to bring forth his request to the relevant authorities.

Yusmadi was leading a delegation of senators paying a courtesy call on Masing in his capacity as deputy chief minister and Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation.

The last time PRS had a representative in the Senate was when its Women chief Dato Sri Doris Sophia Berodie was the Dewan Negara deputy president, and speaker several years before that.

“PRS has no representative in the Senate now. The number of senators should also be increased from the current 70,” said Masing after receiving the courtesy call from 15 senators at his office in Petra Jaya yesterday.

Masing, who is also Baleh assemblyman, said he was pleased to know that when Senators were discussing issues of importance they would normally stand as one voice regardless of their political affliation.

He thus suggested that the Senate be given back the power they used to have years ago. The power of the Senate has been eroded through the passing of laws by parliament.

“These laws must be amended to allow for the restoration of power to the Upper House (Senate). After all, Senators comprise people of different disciplines and ethnic groups, and therefore should be utilized for their expertise to move Malaysia forward,” he said.

Masing said Malaysia must render them due recognition so that they would give us their best.

“Proper recognition means greater responsibilities by the senators,” said Masing, adding that he was confident that the Pakatan Harapan government would give the Senate its power back.