THIS is a rarity – hence despite the hot spell – citizens of all walks of life thronged the Malaysian Parliament during its two-day open house which began at 9am yesterday (May 6).
Themed Merakyatkan Parlimen, Warisan Negara (Nationalising Parliament, National Heritage), the inaugural Parliament Open House offers ordinary citizens an opportunity this weekend to take a peek into the august house where their MP-cum-lawmakers meet.
Judging from the enthusiastic response from young and old alike who wanted to learn more about the legislative body operates, it appears that the first day’s event was a success.
By about 12 noon, goodies bags allocated for the day’s event had run out. Visitors are advised to park their cars at the Botanical Gardens and take the shuttle bus to the parliament.
A staff who prefers to remain anonymous said as word starts to spread around with photographs posted on social media, today’s (Sunday) event between 9am and 5pm is expected to attract a bigger crowd.
“Many had turned up before 9am this morning for the official launch,” he said. “We hope everyone will have an enjoyable time.”
For 11-year-old Aurora Ng, this was an opportunity for to learn about the Malaysian parliament.
She has heard words like ‘parliament’ and ‘YB’ mentioned by the adults. “Before this, I vaguely knew what it was all about. Now, at least I get to see how parliament looks like from the inside,” she said.
Most children of her age are mesmerised by the arts and crafts put together by the exhibitors. Some were prepared to sit still for 10 minutes just to have their caricatures drawn by local artists. Others quietly work on their ‘masterpieces’ using clay-like products provided free.
There are also food trucks behind the parliament house which offer all kinds of cuisines and drinks.
Besides the opportunity to visit both Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara where they can snap photos freely, visitors can also learn more about all the government statutory bodies in the country.
A tour guide was seen explaining how the parliamentary bills are first debated before they are passed in parliament with the support of the majority lawmakers in the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara.
Once the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) grants his consent, the Bills automatically becomes a law which is known as an “Act of the Parliament”.
For example, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 which paved way to the setting up of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was enacted in 2009. It is also known as Act of the Parliament 694 or Act 694.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani and Deputy Speaker Alice Lau chatted and took pictures with the visitors.
Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim said the event was aimed at bringing the people closer and expose them to the history and role of Parliament. He acknowledged that the programme provided a great opportunity for the public to learn about the role of the representatives in both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara.
Earlier, Rais, 81, who is a lawyer by training, had earlier launched a book entitled Parliament of Malaysia: Pillar of the Nation’s Democracy at the launch of the open day. – May 7, 2023
Main pic credit: Bernama
