KUALA LUMPUR: The Parliament Open Day serves as a platform to bring the institution closer to the people while providing the public with an opportunity to witness the functions and processes taking place in the “house of democracy”.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul said interest in understanding the institution’s role was palpable among visitors – including those from abroad – who arrived as early as 7.30am.
“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 event yesterday.
The two-day programme featured various activities including exhibitions, sales, sports competitions, pocket talks, film screenings by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia and stage performances.
Meanwhile, Parliament chief administrator Datuk Dr Ahmad Husaini Abdul Rahman said the concept of “bringing Parliament closer to the people” is not merely about bringing more visitors to the historic building but is rooted in the principle that democratic institutions must always remain close to the people.
He said the people have 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 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 gave her an opportunity to experience the atmosphere inside the institution while gaining a closer understanding of its functions.
“It is really exciting because all this while, 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, hopes such programmes would continue on a regular basis as “many people may never have entered Parliament”.
“When we come ourselves, we understand it better and feel closer to the institution,” said Amir Haikal, who is student of a public institution of higher learning.
