Former deputy home minister Lee Chee Leong was among the three leaders who took oath as senators before Dewan Negara president Abu Zahar Ujang in Kuala Lumpur today.

The other two were Jempol Umno division head Mohd Salim Shariff, 49, and MCA Youth chief Chong Sin Woon, 40.  

It was the first appointment as senators for a three-year term effective today for all of them.  

Lee, 57, who hails from Ipoh, Perak, is MCA vice-president and holds an Accounting and Finance degree from Bristol Polytechnic, England.

Mohd Salim, born in Kuala Pilah, Negri Sembilan, is Risda Bina Sdn Bhd chairperson and had served as senior private secretary to the deputy education minister from 2009 to 2013.  

Meanwhile, Chong, who graduated with a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, joined MCA in 2001 and was a member of the Thinkers Panel of the Department of Special Affairs under the Communications and Multimedia Ministry.  

In his speech, Abu Zahar reminded members of the senate to understand, appreciate, defend and uphold the federal constitution.

He also advised them not to infringe or violate the oath of loyalty they have taken.   

- Bernama