Parliament Open Day draws record 13,368 visitors

Visitors bring their families and friends to experience the final day of the Malaysia Parliament Open Day 2026 in Kuala Lumpur on September 13, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 13 Sep 2026 7:11 PM MYT

Last Modified: Sunday, 13 Sep 2026 7:22 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 — The two-day Parliament Open Day which began yesterday successfully attracted over 13,368 visitors, exceeding the initial target of 10,000 people.

Senate President Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah said the figure represents the programme's best achievement since it was first organised in 2023, while demonstrating the public's desire to gain a deeper understanding of the institution that serves as a symbol of the country's democracy.

“We have many programmes for the people so that the public can get to know Parliament better. This is their house, the house of the people's representatives,” he said at the closing ceremony of the programme here, today.

He also expressed his appreciation and congratulated the Parliament Chief Administrator Datuk Dr Ahmad Husaini Abdul Rahman, parliamentary staff, and government ministries and agencies involved in making the programme a success.

Parliament staff brief visitors inside the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara on the final day of the Malaysia Parliament Open Day 2026 in Kuala Lumpur on September 13, 2026. — Bernama pic

Meanwhile, Ahmad Husaini said the goal of the programme is to bring Parliament closer to the people by giving the public the opportunity to see firsthand the atmosphere and processes that take place inside, given that the area is off-limits on normal days.

“A total of 13,368 visitors were recorded throughout the two days of the programme, compared to about 8,600 visitors in 2023. This increase in attendance shows that public awareness and interest in the institution of Parliament are growing,” he said.

A visitor, Ahmad Firdaus Abdullah Tahrin, 43, said he took the opportunity to bring his children and friends to visit Parliament to provide direct exposure to the institution.

Visitors take a closer look at the Parliament lobby during the Malaysia Parliament Open Day 2026 in Kuala Lumpur on September 13, 2026. — Bernama pic

Working as a teacher, he said the visit is important so that children can gain knowledge about Parliament not only through textbooks, but also see the conference venue themselves and understand what happens inside the House.

“When we bring them here ourselves, they can see the actual atmosphere and better understand what they learn in textbooks,” he said.

He added that this direct exposure can help children understand how laws, policies, and acts are debated and implemented, besides preparing them to be future leaders. — Bernama