Kuala lumpur: The two-day Parliament Open Day which began yesterday successfully attracted over 13,368 visitors, exceeding the initial target of 10,000 people. Senate President Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah said the figure represents the programme's best achievement since it was first organised in 2023, while demonstrating the public's desire to gain a deeper understanding of the institution that serves as a symbol of the country's democracy.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Awang Bemee expressed his appreciation and congratulated the Parliament Chief Administrator Datuk Dr Ahmad Husaini Abdul Rahman, parliamentary staff, and government ministries and agencies involved in making the programme a success. He emphasized that there are many programmes designed to help the public get to know Parliament better, referring to it as "the house of the people's representatives."

Meanwhile, Ahmad Husaini highlighted that the programme aims to bring Parliament closer to the people by offering them the opportunity to see firsthand the processes that take place inside. He noted that the area is typically off-limits on normal days. "A total of 13,368 visitors were recorded throughout the two days of the programme, compared to about 8,600 visitors in 2023. This increase in attendance shows that public awareness and interest in the institution of Parliament are growing," he said.

A visitor, Ahmad Firdaus Abdullah Tahrin, 43, took the opportunity to bring his children and friends to visit Parliament for direct exposure to the institution. As a teacher, he believes the visit is crucial for children to gain knowledge about Parliament beyond textbooks, allowing them to see the conference venue and understand what happens inside the House. He remarked, "When we bring them here ourselves, they can see the actual atmosphere and better understand what they learn in textbooks."

Ahmad Firdaus added that this direct exposure can help children understand how laws, policies, and acts are debated and implemented, besides preparing them to be future leaders.