By Syauqi Jamil
KUALA LUMPUR: Incoming PKR President Anwar Ibrahim was today sworn in as an MP in the Dewan Rakyat.
This was the first order of the day when the Dewan Rakyat convened for its second sitting today.
Fresh of his Port Dickson by-election victory last Saturday, Anwar was sworn in before Dewan Rakyat Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof and was witnessed by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and MPs from both divides.
Mohd Ariff reminded the Port Dickson lawmaker to uphold the dignity of the Parliamentary institution as the highest legislative body in the nation.
“I am confident that YB will carry out his duties as demanded by this institution and I am confident you can contribute towards bringing Parliamentary reforms to improve the prestige of the August Hall.
“I trust you will contribute to the Dewan and serve the nation and the people. Congratulations once again,” he said.
Last Saturday, Anwar won the Port Dickson by-election with a 23,560 majority, securing 31,016 votes against his other contenders.
He defeated PAS’ Mohd Nazari Mokhtar, former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan and Umno heavyweight turned independent candidate Tan Sri Isa Samad, as well as independent candidates Kan Chee Yuen, Stevie Chan and Lau Seck Yan.
The by-election was meant to make way for Anwar’s return into Parliament, and is another step towards making him the next in line Prime Minister.
Anwar last participated in a parliamentary debate in October 2014, during a discussion on the 2015 budget.
He was imprisoned at the Sungai Buloh jail in February 2015 after failing in his appeal against a sodomy conviction.
After Pakatan Harapan won the GE14 in may, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V granted Anwar a royal pardon on May 16, which allowed him to return to politics.
