The Parliament of Malaysia is the bicameral national legislature based on the Westminster system. It consists of the lower house Dewan Rakyat whose 222 members are elected, and the upper house Dewan Negara with 70 appointed senators. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong as Head of State is the third component of Parliament. Its main functions are to pass laws for Malaysia, approve government expenditures and taxes, examine policies, and act as a forum for public opinion.

1. The Parliament of Malaysia is the national legislature of Malaysia, based on the Westminster
system. The bicameral parliament consists of the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) and
the Dewan Negara (Senate). The Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) as the Head of State is the third
component of Parliament.
The Parliament assembles in the Malaysian Houses of Parliament, located in the national capital
city of Kuala Lumpur. The term "Member of Parliament (MP)" usually refers to a member of the
Dewan Rakyat, the lower house of the Parliament. The term "Senator" usually refers to a member
of the Dewan Negara, the upper house of the Parliament.
The Dewan Rakyat
These are Members of Parliament (MP) who were elected in the present election. There are 222
elected MPs. 140 MPs are with the ruling Barisan National and 82 are with the opposition Pakatan
Rakyat. They will serve as MPs until the dissolution of Parliament pending the next general
election.
The Dewan Negara
The Dewan Negara is made up of 70 appointed members known as Senators. The 13 State
Legislative Assembly each appoints 2 senators. The King appoints another 44 senators, on the
advice of the Prime Minister. Each term of senatorship is for 3 years. Each senator may serve up
to a maximum of 2 terms. The tenure of the Dewan Negara is not determined by the dissolution of
Parliament.
Functions of the Malaysia Parliament
Being the legislative authority of the nation, it makes laws applicable to the whole Federation of
Malaysia. It functions are to pass federal laws, make amendments to the law as the need arise,
examine government policies, approve government expenditure, approve new taxes and act as a
forum for public opinion and criticism of national affairs.