KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 — Wanita MCA vice-chairman Datuk Ong Chong Swen was today sworn in as senator for a three-year term for the first time.

Ong, 68, took the oath before the Dewan Negara president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran.

Ong, who hails from Kota Baru, Kelantan, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Universiti Malaya and has been politically active since 1998.

Speaking to reporters after the swearing-in ceremony, Ong said the appointment would give her the chance to voice out the issues of unity among the people, regardless of race and religion.

"I think the important aspects of unity, including honesty and loyalty, practised by previous generations must be revived in today’s society and we should not be divided by negative comments,” she said. — Bernama