Giam Say Khoon, The Sun, 10 July 2009
KUALA LUMPUR (July 9, 2009) : Datuk Armani Mahiruddin has been elected deputy senate president, the first woman to hold the post in the Malaysian parliament’s 50-year history.
Armani Mahiruddin
She succeeds Datuk Wong Foon Meng, who was appointed senate president on Tuesday.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon tabled a motion to nominate Armani, a Sabahan, to which there were no challenges.
“I would like to thank the government, prime minister and deputy prime minister for giving me the opportunity and having confidence in the ability of a woman to chair the country’s highest legislative body,” Armani, in her second term as senator, said in the parliament lobby.
“To me, the appointment shows appreciation and respect for women and has to be shared by women nationwide,” she said, adding that the move was proof of the government’s commitment to encouraging women to enter mainstream politics.
Armani, 52, said she would use her more than three years’ experience as senator to do her best to serve the House.
Armani, the younger sister of former Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Datuk Juhar Mahiruddin, said she would seek her brother’s advice in carrying out her duties.
Koh Tsu Koon
At another press conference, Koh saying the appointment was timely, said Armani was experienced enough for the job, having been a teacher for 17 years and a full-time politician for 15.
Koh also said there was a possibility that she could become the first woman president of the Senate when the president retires next year.
“This is history in the making and it shows that we are determined to encourage women to play a more important role (in government). I am happy and proud to nominate her for the position,” he said.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said in a statement that Armani’s appointment was in line with the government policy of having a participation of women at the decision making level at least a 30%.
“July 9 is a historic day for the country and I am confident that Armani with her experience will perform her duties with dedication and excellence,” she said.