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Ahmadul Kobir, Malaysia: Malaysia’s Parliament opened its doors to the public as part of an initiative to bring the country’s democratic institution closer to the people.
The two-day Malaysia Parliament Open Day 2026 drew a large number of visitors, with Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul saying nearly 10,000 people visited Parliament on the first day alone. The event also attracted visitors from abroad.
Held on Saturday and Sunday, beginning Sept 12, the programme offered the public more than an opportunity to visit the historic Parliament building. It allowed visitors to gain a closer understanding of how the country’s democratic institution functions and what takes place inside the “House of Democracy”.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul said one of the main objectives of the Open Day was to bring Parliament closer to the people. He said the public should have the opportunity not only to see the Parliament building from the outside but also to learn about the activities and processes taking place inside.
Speaking to reporters at the Parliament grounds on Saturday, Johari said visitors had started arriving as early as 7:30am, including foreign visitors.
He said about 10,000 visitors came to Parliament over two days during the previous Open Day two years ago, while this year’s attendance had already reached nearly 10,000 on the first day.
The Open Day was held in conjunction with the 67th anniversary of the Malaysian Parliament and National Month. The programme featured a range of activities, including exhibitions, sales activities, sports competitions, pocket talks, film screenings and stage performances.
The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia also organised film screenings, while various cultural and entertainment activities were held for visitors. The programme therefore offered visitors an opportunity not only to explore Parliament but also to gain a broader appreciation of democracy, national institutions and Malaysian culture.
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 simply about allowing more visitors into the historic building.
He said it was rooted in the principle that democratic institutions must always remain close to the people.
“The people have the right to understand how Parliament functions. The strength of a democratic institution depends, to a large extent, on how well the people understand it, trust it and feel that Parliament belongs to them,” he said.
Ahmad Husaini also stressed that institutional reform should not be confined to changes in laws, structures or administrative systems. Instead, the impact of such reforms must be felt by the people.
For 28-year-old civil servant Athirah Amalin Ahmad Daud, the Open Day provided an opportunity to experience the atmosphere inside Parliament and gain a closer understanding of its functions.
She said she had previously seen Parliament only on television, making her first-hand visit to the building an exciting and memorable experience.
Another visitor, 23-year-old Amir Haikal Mohd Firdaus, hoped programmes of this kind would be held regularly.
He said many people might never have had the opportunity to enter Parliament, adding that seeing the institution first-hand helped them understand its functions more clearly and feel closer to it.
Through the Open Day, Malaysia’s Parliament presented itself not only as the country’s legislative institution but also as a democratic institution open to the people. The programme provided an avenue to encourage greater public understanding, participation and engagement with the country’s democratic institutions.