Federal legislature
Parliament, Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara
Understand Malaysia's Parliament, the elected Dewan Rakyat, the Dewan Negara and what each part does.Direct answer
Malaysia's Parliament consists of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Dewan Negara and the Dewan Rakyat. It makes federal laws, scrutinises government policy and finance, and provides a national forum for public issues.
- Dewan Rakyat
- 222 elected MPs
- Dewan Negara
- 70 senators
- Maximum term
- 5 years
- Majority of 222
- 112 seats
The two Houses are not the same
Members of the Dewan Rakyat are elected from parliamentary constituencies. The Dewan Negara includes senators elected by state legislative assemblies and senators appointed according to the constitutional process.
- Dewan Rakyat provides direct electoral representation.
- Dewan Negara reviews legislation and represents state and other perspectives.
- A Parliament can end earlier than five years if dissolved.
What Parliament actually does
Parliament's official functions include passing and amending federal laws, examining government policy, approving expenditure and new taxes, and debating matters of public interest.
- Debates and votes on bills
- Questions ministers and examines administration
- Approves supply and taxation
- Publishes proceedings through official records such as Hansard
Common questions
Are senators elected in a general election?
No. General elections elect members of the Dewan Rakyat, not the Dewan Negara.
Why does 112 matter?
In a 222-seat Dewan Rakyat, 112 is more than half of all seats and is the ordinary outright majority threshold.
Where can I read parliamentary debates?
Parliament publishes official proceedings and provides a Digital Hansard service.