The new senators meet the press. (Left to right) Noriah, Abdul Rahim, Palanivel and Ezam
KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — Former PKR Youth chief Ezam Mohd Noor was sworn in as a senator today, less than two years after rejoining Umno.
Ezam quit PKR in 2007 and joined Umno about a year later after Election 2008.
Since joining Umno, Ezam has been actively speaking up against his former boss Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during elections campaign.
Ezam was a political secretary to Anwar when the de facto PKR leader was finance minister in the late 1990s.
He was arrested under the ISA in 2001 for his involvement in the “reformasi” movement and for fighting for Anwar’s release after the former deputy prime minister was jailed for corruption and sodomy.
At an Umno-organised rally recently, Ezam had apologised to the public for his criticisms against the government while in PKR.
His appointment as senator has been seen as a reward for his continued campaign against Anwar.
Also sworn in today was MIC deputy president, Datuk G. Palanivel, who was dropped as Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate at the Hulu Selangor by-election last month.
Palanivel was the MP for the semi-rural constituency from 1990 until his defeat in Election 2008.
Prior to losing the seat, he was the deputy minister for women, family and community development.
Also made senators today were Rahim & Co executive chairman, Datuk Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman, and Pagoh Wanita Umno chief, Noriah Mahat.
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