KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 5- Former Maybank CEO Abdul Wahid Omar and Hindraf chairman
P Waythamoorthy were sworn in as Senators at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Both the Ministers in the Prime Minister’s department took their oaths before Speaker Abu Zahar Ujang.
Meeting reporters outside the Dewan Rakyat here, Waythamoorthy said it was an honor to “be the voice for the voiceless”.
“This is an honor… but it is not an honor for me, it is an honor for the struggling and poor Indians in Malaysia. We have come a long way.
“We have struggled for quite long for our voices to be heard. (And) today marks a new beginning for us,” he said.
Waythamoorthy also described his appointment as a “great opportunity” and a “privilege” given to the community.
“This marks a great opportunity for them (poor indians) and I will make sure the voice of the voiceless will be heard.
“It is a privilege to be given the opportunity by the prime minister to be the voice of the poor and underclassed Indians.
Meanwhile Wahid, who was Maybank CEO until June 4, said he was “humbled” to serve the people.
“It’s my first day in public office and I am still nervous, but I pledge to do my best for the country.
“Whatever I do will be watched by the public, that’s why I will do my best starting from today,” he said
Wahid said his first task was to “understand my responsibilities” as minister responsible for the Economic Planning Unit (EPU).
“Later today, I will meet with the EPU staff to better understand their plans and how to improve what has to be implemented.
“I will look into both short-term and long-term planning, and will focus on it,” he added.
