NEW DELHI January 16, 2026 – The Speaker of the Malaysian Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Johari Abdul, yesterday presented Malaysia’s parliamentary initiatives to bring the people—especially the youth—closer to the parliamentary institution at the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in New Delhi, India.
In a workshop titled “Innovative Strategies to Enhance Public Understanding of Parliament and Citizen Participation Beyond Voting”, Johari explained that Parliament functions as a “school of democracy”—a platform where the public can directly observe the mechanisms of checks and balances and policy debates conducted according to parliamentary rules.
He emphasised the importance of empowering youth following the implementation of Undi18, which lowered the voting age to 18. Many young voters still lack exposure to the practical operations of Parliament, and this gap must be addressed through strategic and sustained approaches.
Among the initiatives highlighted were:
– Parliament School Programme , which provides opportunities for students—including those from rural areas—to witness live debates and the policy-making process.
– Malaysian Youth Parliament, which offers a platform for young people to sharpen their leadership skills through debate training and representation in an authentic parliamentary setting.
Johari stressed that when parliamentary institutions become more open and relevant to youth, young people are more likely to engage in the democratic process. Ensuring that future generations continue to uphold the sanctity of the Constitution is fundamental to the sustainability of democracy, and Parliament serves as the primary gateway for instilling these values.
The 28th CSPOC, hosted by the Indian Parliament from 14 to 16 January 2026, brings together speakers and presiding officers from Commonwealth nations to share experiences and best practices in parliamentary administration.
About The Author
