For First Time Parliament Opens Doors To Public In 2 Day Event

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For the first time ever, Parliament opened its doors to the public through the organisation of a two-day Parliament Open Day over the weekend.
Dewan Negara speaker Rais Yatim officiated the event today, while his Dewan Rakyat counterpart Johari Abdul and Parliament chief administrator Nor Yahati Awang were also present.
Also in attendance were MPs, ambassadors, and foreign representatives.
Various activities were organised for the public including a book exhibition, an exhibition on statespersons, an art and culture performance, heritage food cooking demonstrations, food sales, painting, caricatures, and handicraft sales.
Visitors started streaming in as early as 9am, with some interviewed by Malaysiakini calling it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Dubbing the event a good chance to learn about the country’s democratic system, some visitors said similar programmes should be held more frequently.
Json Lin“The Malaysian Parliament is typically not open to the public, but on this open day, anyone can come here to take a look,” said visitor Json Lin, 35.
According to Lin, his children particularly enjoyed the traditional food of various cultures sold at the stalls.
“We have to teach our children from when they are young about our country’s nature, and it is crucial for them to know it as a part of the Malaysian family.”
He said that as members of a multiracial and multicultural society, exploring each other’s food is a way to live in harmony.
He also personally enjoyed the coconut water which he said helped cool his family down on this hot day.
‘Golden opportunity’
For retired Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka worker Othman Adnan, 65, this was his first time setting foot in the Parliament.
“I have seen the Parliament session on television before, so I’m excited to be here in person today. I see it as possibly my only chance to do this,” he said with a smile.
Othman Adnan (left) and wifeVisitor Tam Xueh Wei said she always admired Parliament from afar, but today was the “golden opportunity” for her to visit it.
“I love the ‘merakyatkan Parlimen’ initiative, and it’s an opportunity for the people to learn more about Malaysia.”
The 27-year-old particularly liked the voting simulation at one of the exhibitions, which she said was a great approach to educating the younger generation on the how-to and the importance of voting.
Tam Xueh Wei (right) and friendsUniversiti Tun Abdul Razak students Syuhada Yazid, 20, and Nishvilah Michael Nathan, 23, particularly enjoyed the cultural performances during the event.
“I have never seen such a performance before, of various cultural dancers dancing together for the same song,” said Nishvilah.
Nishvilah Michael NathanFor visitors who were a bit lost at the vastness of the Parliament building, parliamentary officials were close by to show the way and answer questions related to the august House.
Visitors also lauded the free shuttle service provided from KL Sentral to the KL Botanical Garden, which is a stone’s throw away from the Parliament building - which helped them avoid traffic and parking congestion. - Mkini

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