In Malaysia, the primary responsibility for enacting Federal Law lies with the Parliament, making it the principal legislative body in the country. Laws made directly by Parliament are referred to as direct legislation and are considered the highest form of law at the federal level. This process involves drafting, debating, and approving bills, which then become laws upon receiving royal assent.
Legislative Process in Malaysia
Introduction of a Bill
The Bill is introduced in either the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) or the Dewan Negara (Senate), except for Money Bills, which must begin in the Dewan Rakyat.
First Reading
The title of the Bill is read out, and it is distributed to members.
No debate occurs at this stage.
Second Reading
The Bill is debated in detail.
A vote is taken after the debate.
Committee Stage
The Bill is examined clause by clause.
Amendments can be proposed and debated.
Third Reading
The Bill is debated again, typically briefly.
A final vote is taken.
Transmission to the Other House
If the Bill passes in one house, it is sent to the other house for consideration (repeating steps 1 to 5).
Approval by Both Houses
Both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara must approve the Bill.
Royal Assent
The Bill is presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) for Royal Assent.
The King has 30 days to grant assent.
Publication in the Gazette
Once Royal Assent is granted, the Bill is published in the Government Gazette.
It then becomes law and comes into force on the specified date.
Example video of one of the stages in the Legislative Process.