Legislative process
How a bill becomes law in Malaysia
Follow the main stages a Malaysian federal bill passes through Parliament before becoming law.Direct answer
A federal bill is introduced, debated and voted on through parliamentary stages. It normally passes through both Houses before the royal-assent and gazette steps that complete the legislative process.
- Starting document
- Bill
- Elected House
- Dewan Rakyat
- Upper House
- Dewan Negara
- Official record
- Parliament portal
The process at a glance
- 1
First reading
The bill is formally introduced.
- 2
Second reading
Members debate the bill's principles and vote on whether it should proceed.
- 3
Committee stage
The bill is examined in detail and amendments may be considered.
- 4
Third reading
The House considers the final text and votes.
- 5
Other House
The bill proceeds through the parliamentary process in the other House.
- 6
Assent and publication
The constitutional assent and gazette process follows before the law takes effect according to its terms.
The status of a bill matters
A bill can be introduced, referred, amended, passed or fail to obtain the required vote. A proposal described in reporting is not yet law merely because it has been announced.
Use the official record
Parliament publishes bill codes, titles, reading dates, presenters and statuses. Hansard records the debate, while the gazetted law is the authoritative enacted text.
Common questions
Is a bill already a law?
No. A bill is proposed legislation until the required parliamentary and constitutional stages are completed.
Where can I see whether a bill passed?
Use Parliament's official Bills pages and the relevant parliamentary records.
Does every bill need two-thirds?
No. The required threshold depends on the type of bill and the constitutional provision involved.