1. PARLIAMENT

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Malaysia practices a parliamentary
system of government
Head of government and Cabinets chosen
from majority grouping or party in an
elected assembly or parliament
Party that wins the largest number of seats
forms the government
Parliament has the authority to legislate
law through reading of bills (Rang
Undang-Undang) in both Dewan Rakyat
and Dewan Negara
Dewan Rakyat has more power than
Dewan Negara

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Some of Parliament functions are:
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legislative power: to legislate, amends or
abolish law
tax matters: impose new tax, increase /
decrease/ abolish current tax
approve annual budget
Although Parliament has legislative
power, it does not have the rights to
legislate power as it wishes
• Malaysia constitution has determined
legislative power between the Parliament
and Dewan Undangan Negeri

4. • Parliament can legislate law in the State
List ONLY IF:
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to enforce any treaty, agreement or
convention between Federal and any state
government
to standardize law amongst states
to comply request by any state legislative
body
Parliament cannot amend law
regarding:
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Islamic matters
Malay customs
Sabah and Sarawak natives

5. LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURE
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A Minister or Ministry draws up a
draft of the proposed law (bill)
Draft will become LAW is approved by
both Dewans and validated by the Agong
The bill is then discussed at a meeting
of Ministers
The bill is then printed and distributed
to the Members of Parliament (MP)

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In each DEWAN, the bill must go through
FOUR phases
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First Reading
Second Reading
Committee Level
Third Reading
First reading: the minister or his/her deputy
presents it to the Dewan Rakyat and the
House Secretary reads the brief subject
matter
Second reading: debated in detail – necessary
amendments are made if necessary
Committee level: Dewan Select Committee
studies it against the MPs’ views and make
necessary amendments.

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Third Reading: bill is presented by the
Minister or Deputy for approval
Vote is taken: 2/3 of MPs Support is needed
Presented to the Dewan Negara – same
procedures repeated
Presented to the YDPA to be passed
A period of 30 days is given to consider the
bill
Disagree – bill return with reasons within 30
days
Upon agreement: bill pass into law
Law takes effect when announcement is
made to the public by the Parliament

8. SPECIAL TERMS
• Law passed by DUN – ENACTMENT
• Law passed by Sarawak DUN –
ORDINANCE
• Law passed during emergency –
ORDINANCE
• Law passed by the Parliament - ACT