Malaysian Houses of Parliament facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Malaysian Houses of Parliament |
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Bangunan Parlimen Malaysia
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The Parliament building
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| General information | |
| Type | Federal Government Legislative Building |
| Architectural style | Modernist |
| Town or city | Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory |
| Country | Malaysia |
| Groundbreaking | December 1959 |
| Construction started | September 1962 |
| Completed | September 1963 |
| Inaugurated | 21 November 1963 |
| Renovated | February 2004 |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | Tower building: 12 Building: 3 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Ivor Shipley (Malaysian Public Works Department, JKR) |
The Malaysian Houses of Parliament (in Malay: Bangunan Parlimen Malaysia) is a very important building. It is where the Parliament of Malaysia meets to make decisions for the country. This special building is found in the beautiful Lake Gardens area of Kuala Lumpur. It is also quite close to the Malaysian National Monument.
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Malaysian Parliament Building
The Parliament building is where Malaysia's laws are discussed and made. It is the heart of the country's democracy. Imagine a big meeting place where elected leaders work together. They talk about important issues that affect everyone in Malaysia. This building helps them do their job.
What is Parliament?
Parliament is like a team of people chosen by citizens. These people are called Members of Parliament (MPs). Their main job is to represent the people who voted for them. They bring up ideas and problems from their communities. Then, they work to create fair laws for the whole country.
- Making Laws: Parliament creates new laws and changes old ones. These laws help keep society organized and fair.
- Discussing Issues: MPs debate important topics. This can include things like education, health, or the economy.
- Representing People: Each MP represents a specific area of Malaysia. They speak for the people living there.
History of the Building
The Malaysian Houses of Parliament has a rich history. It was built to be a modern and important symbol for the new nation. Malaysia became independent in 1957. A special place was needed for its government to meet.
- Starting Construction: Work on the building began in December 1959. It was a big project for the young country.
- Opening Day: The building was officially opened on November 21, 1963. This was a proud moment for Malaysia.
- Architect's Vision: The building was designed by Ivor Shipley. He was an architect from the Malaysian Public Works Department. His design was modern and unique.
- Renovations: The building has been updated over the years. A big renovation happened in February 2004. This helped keep it modern and safe.
Design and Features
The Parliament building has a very distinct look. It combines traditional Malaysian elements with modern design. It is made up of two main parts.
- Main Block: This part is three stories tall. It holds the two main meeting halls. These are where the MPs gather for their sessions.
- Tower Block: This is a tall, 12-story tower. It has offices for the ministers and other officials. From the top, you can see amazing views of Kuala Lumpur.
- Location: The building is surrounded by beautiful gardens. It sits on a hill, making it stand out. This peaceful setting helps create a good environment for important discussions.
Inside the Parliament
The Malaysian Parliament has two main parts, like two different teams working together. They are called the Dewan Rakyat and the Dewan Negara.
- Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives): This is the main chamber. It has members who are directly elected by the people. Most laws start their journey here.
- Dewan Negara (Senate): This chamber has members who are appointed. They are usually experts in different fields. They review laws passed by the Dewan Rakyat.
Both houses must agree on a law before it can be put into action. This system ensures that laws are carefully thought out.
Why is it Important?
The Malaysian Houses of Parliament is more than just a building. It is a symbol of Malaysia's independence and its commitment to democracy. It shows that the people have a voice in how their country is run.
- Voice of the People: It is where the concerns of everyday Malaysians are heard.
- National Decisions: Important decisions about the country's future are made here.
- Symbol of Unity: It represents the unity and diversity of Malaysia.
This building stands as a reminder of the hard work and dedication involved in governing a nation. It is a place where leaders work to build a better future for all Malaysians.
