Parliament Open Day Brings Youth Closer To Democracy – Young Syefura

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Parliament Open Day 2026 is seen as an important platform to bring youth closer to the country’s democratic institutions, while providing them with an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the parliamentary debate process and the functions of Parliament. 

Bentong Member of Parliament Young Syefura Othman said the Malaysian Parliament Open Day, taking place on Sept 12 and 13, was important to give young people exposure to the democratic system and the role of the parliamentary institution. 

She said youth participation was crucial as they were not only future leaders but also leaders of today who should be given opportunities and experience to understand how democratic institutions function. 

“They are the leaders. People always say they are future leaders, but to me, they are leaders of today and the future,” she said on Bernama TV’s Darah Muda programme titled ‘67 Years of the Malaysian Parliament: The Youth Reform Lens’ tonight. 

Young Syefura said the Youth Parliament gave young people the opportunity to experience being in Parliament first-hand, including debating and discussing issues close to their lives such as housing, education, healthcare and employment. 

She said the open day was also important in making Parliament more accessible by giving people from all walks of life, regardless of age, race or religion, the opportunity to see for themselves how the country’s democratic system functions. 

Young Syefura said this year’s Parliament Open Day is being held on a large scale, featuring about 40 exhibitions by government agencies and the private sector, with various activities for visitors of all ages. 

Among the activities are robotics exhibitions, virtual reality (VR), free screenings of local films, e-sports, futsal, electronic games, a blood donation campaign, as well as tours of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara.

She said visitors would also have the opportunity to learn more about the duties of Members of Parliament, the Speaker, as well as parliamentary staff and officers through the tours provided. 

On youth participation, Young Syefura said the open day also provided an opportunity for those aged between 18 and 30 to learn more about the Youth Parliament and voice their views on issues that directly affected their lives. 

She said young people were also encouraged to use social media to express their views in an informed and constructive manner, as their voices could be an input for the government in improving policies and services. 

The Malaysian Parliament Open Day 2026, held from 9 am to 5 pm, features three main segments, namely Our Parliament, Serving the People and Developing Malaysia, with more than 10,000 visitors expected throughout the two-day programme. 

-- BERNAMA