Parlimen

Parlimen is the Malay term for parliament, the principal lawmaking and governing body in many countries that operate under a parliamentary system. The concept is widely used in Malay-speaking contexts to describe the national legislature and its related institutions. A parliament typically enacts laws, debates national policies, and provides oversight of the executive branch.

Parliaments vary in structure. Many are bicameral, with a lower house elected by the public and an upper house representing regions, states, or social groups and consisting of appointed or indirectly elected members. Others are unicameral, with a single chamber. In constitutional democracies, parliaments approve legislation, authorize government spending, and may have powers to amend or scrutinize constitutional provisions and key appointments.

Members are chosen through elections or appointments in accordance with the constitution. In parliamentary systems, the government is usually formed from members of parliament, and the cabinet or prime minister remains in office while it retains the confidence of the majority. Parliaments conduct their work through sessions, debates, committee work, and procedures such as readings and votes on bills before they become law. They may also perform oversight through questions, investigations, and watchdog mechanisms.

As a national example, Parlimen Malaysia comprises the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) and the Dewan Negara (Senate) and meets at the Parliament House in Kuala Lumpur. Similar frameworks exist in other Malay-speaking regions, reflecting shared constitutional principles and procedural traditions.