INTRODUCTION

Parliament is the legislative authority for the Federation and it enacts laws to be enforced nationwide.

The Parliament of Malaysia is bicameral, comprising of the House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat in Malay) and the Senate (Dewan Negara in Malay).

Parliament passes Federal laws, and also amends existing Federal laws. Parliament also serves as the forum to discuss matters of public interest, and the platform where the Cabinet introduces new policies to be carried out in the form of statements.

Each House is empowered to regulate its own procedure; each has exclusive control over its own proceedings, and each House can penalize its members for breaches of the privilege or contempt of that House.