1.

What is the function of Parliament?

Parliament is a legislative body for Federal Government that passes and amends Federal laws, scrutinizes Government policies and approves Government budgets and proposal for new taxes.

2.

When was the Parliament first meeting?

The first meeting of the first session of the first Parliament was on 11 September 1959 at Tunku Abdul Rahman Hall, Jalan Ampang which is now known as Malaysian Tourism Centre (MaTiC).

3.

When was Parliament building officiated?

Parliament building was officiated on 2 November 1963.

4.

How many members are there in the Senate and the House of Representatives?

The number of members of the Senate is subject to Clause (1) Article 45 of the Federal Constitution. The Senate comprises 70 members. The details are as below:

• Two (2) members for each State shall be elected in accordance with the Seventh Schedule: and
• two (2) members for the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, one member each for Federal Territory of Labuan and Federal Territory of Putrajaya; and
• forty (40) members shall be appointed by His Majesty the King.

The term of office of a Senator (member of the Senate) shall be three years (one term) and could be extended to two terms. The Senate shall not be affected by the dissolution of Parliament.

The number of members of the House of Representatives is subject to Clause (1) Article 46 of the Federal Constitution which is 222 members that are elected through Election system.

5.

Who can be the Deputy President and the Deputy Speaker?

Based on Clause (1) Article 56 of the Federal Constitution, the Deputy President must be appointed from among the members of the Senate. For the House of Representatives, two Deputy Speakers must be appointed based on Clause (1) (b) Article 57 in which they are chosen from among the members of the House of Representatives.

6.

Who can be the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives?

The President of the Senate is appointed based on Clause (1) Article 56 of the Federal Constitution and he must be appointed from among the members of the Senate itself. On the other hand, the Speaker of the House of Representatives is appointed based on Clause (1) (a) Article 57 of the Federal Constitution. The Speaker need not be a member of the House to be elected as the Speaker by the House.

7.

What are the rules for the proceedings in the Senate and the House of Representatives?

The rules and procedures for the Senate and the House of Representatives are the Standing Orders of the Senate and Standing Orders of the House of Representatives respectively.

8.

What is it meant by the term ‘’Parliamentary Session’’?

Parliamentary Session is the period between the Opening of Parliament until the end of the sitting each year.

9.

What is it meant by the term ‘’Meeting’’?

Meeting is a sitting or sittings of the House beginning from the first sitting when it was called for meeting at any time and ends after the House was adjourned for more than 14 days or when the date for next sitting was not set or after the prorogation of a Parliament session.

10.

What is it meant by the term ‘’Sitting’’?

Sitting refers to the meetings of the House. Sittings begin and end at the times prescribed under the Standing Orders, unless notified by the Speaker/President or amended through a Motion by the Minister.

The sitting of the House is a one-day meeting which begins at 10.00am to 1.00pm and resumes at 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

11.

What is it meant by the term “Prorogue”?

Prorogue is the act of terminating a Parliament session to be replaced with the next session.

12.

When can the Parliament be dissolved?

Dissolution of Parliament is based on Clause (3) Article 55 of the Federal Constitution that states the Parliament can be dissolved after 5 years from the date of its first meeting or anytime sooner.

13.

How a Bill becomes a Law?

Before a Bill becomes Law, it has to go through the following stages:

14.

Please explain the steps and procedures to visit Parliament.

All visitors, whether individually or in group, institution, and organisation within and outside of the country can visit the Parliament of Malaysia. Visits are only allowed during the working days and working hours. Visitors who wish to visit must first make an application and must abide the rules below:

1. All arrangements for the visits will be conducted by Corporate Communication Division of the Parliament of Malaysia. Application letter shall be submitted to the address below:

Corporate Communication Division

Aras 4, Blok Ahli Parlimen & Pentadbiran

Bangunan Parlimen, jalan Parlimen,

50680 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: +(603) 20721955 / +(603) 26017222

Emel: info@parlimen.gov.my / pro@parlimen.gov.my

2. The application letter must state the applicant’s contact number and fax number. (Example of Application Letter).

3. Besides that, the application can be made through online application.

4. Visitors are required to show permission letter at the Guard House at the main entrance of the Parliament complex. Tour leaders are required to submit a complete list of the visitors' full names, identification numbers, and current addresses. Only those who are listed in the list are allowed to follow the proceedings.

5. All visitors must abide with the dress code while in the Parliament Building which are:

DRESS CODE AND RULES FOR PUBLIC VISITORS WHILE VISITING THE PARLIAMENT

MEN

1. Lounge suit and tie
2. Long sleeved shirt with tie
3. Long sleeved batik
4. Baju Melayu complete with samping and songkok
5. Dark coloured long slacks
6. Leather shoes

LADIES

1. Baju Kurung or Long Kebaya/Long sleeved blouse
2. Long skirt (must be below knee)
3. Sari with sleeved blouse and other national dress
4. Long slacks
5. Other clothes that are neat and decent
6. Covered shoes

SCHOOL STUDENTS

1. School uniform

CLOTHES THAT ARE NOT ALLOWED

1. Sleeveless shirt
2. Jacket
3. Jeans
4. Tight and body-hugging clothes
5. Slippers/sport shoes
6. Round neck shirt
7. T-shirt

VISITORS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO:

1. Bring children (six years old and below)
2. Smoke
3. Take pictures when in the Parliament Building
4. Bring handphone, camera, and other types of communication device into the Gallery of both Houses (You will need to keep it at Security Counter at Entrance number 7)
5. Carry dangerous items deemed as threat to security

Visitors are required to be punctual and to meet on the agreed time of visit.

Visitors will enter the Parliament building after they go through the Security Check and scanner for security purposes at Entrance number 7.