KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Parliament Open Day 2026, being held on Saturday (Sept 12) and Sunday, serves as a platform to bring the institution closer to the people, while providing the public with an opportunity to see and understand the functions and processes taking place in the "house of democracy".
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul said the public's interest in understanding the role of the institution could be seen among visitors who arrived as early as 7.30am, including visitors from abroad.
"People can come and see not only the Parliament building but also what goes on inside Parliament. Two years ago, we had 10,000 visitors (over two days), but I think today (alone) there may be 10,000," he told reporters at the Malaysia Parliament Open Day 2026 here on Saturday.
The two-day programme is being held in conjunction with the 67th anniversary of Parliament and National Month, featuring various activities including exhibitions, sales, sports competitions, pocket talks, film screenings by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and stage performances.
Also present were Dewan Negara president Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, Dewan Negara Secretary Muhd Sujairi Abdullah and Dewan Rakyat Secretary Dr Nizam Mydin Bacha Mydin.
Meanwhile, Chief Administrator of the Malaysia Parliament Datuk Dr Ahmad Husaini Abdul Rahman said the concept of "bringing Parliament closer to the people" was not merely about bringing more visitors to the historic building, but was rooted in the principle that democratic institutions must always remain close to the people.
He said the people had the right to understand how Parliament functions, as the strength of the institution also depends on the extent to which the people appreciate, trust and feel that Parliament belongs to them.
"Institutional reform efforts must also not stop at the legal, structural or administrative aspects alone. Instead, the changes made must be felt by the people," he said.
For visitor Athirah Amalin Ahmad Daud, 28, the visit to Parliament allowed her to experience the atmosphere inside the institution while gaining a closer understanding of its functions.
"It is really exciting because all this time, I have only seen it on television, so being able to come inside myself is truly thrilling," said the civil servant.
Another visitor, Amir Haikal Mohd Firdaus, 23, hoped that programmes like this would continue so that more people would have the opportunity to get to know Parliament better.
"I hope programmes like this will be held regularly because many people may never have entered Parliament. When we come ourselves, we understand it better and feel closer to the institution," said the student of a public institution of higher learning. – Bernama
