Ex-PMs not automatically invited for National Day, says ministry
The clarification follows questions over Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s attendance at today’s celebration in Putrajaya.
Source: Free Malaysia Today · August 31, 2026 at 8:30 PM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, PUTRAJAYA, 1 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
KUALA LUMPUR — Former prime ministers are not automatically invited to Malaysia’s National Day celebrations, the communications ministry said, following questions over former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s attendance at today’s event in Putrajaya.
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Secretary-general Abdul Halim Hamzah, who chairs the National Day celebration secretariat, said invitations are issued based on established procedures, not seniority. “Based on the practice since 2018, invitations to the National Day celebration are not automatically extended to former prime ministers,” he said in a statement. Attendance by any former leader is not barred but must be arranged through an application in line with official invitation protocols.
The clarification follows a social media post by Dr Mahathir’s son, Mukhriz, who shared a photo of his father at the Putrajaya celebration with a caption indicating he attended without an invitation. The ministry said the Prime Minister’s Office had earlier informed the secretariat that Dr Mahathir would be abroad from Aug 28 to 31, based on an approved application under the Remuneration of Former Prime Ministers Act 1980.
The ministry’s statement underscores the structured approach to National Day invitations, though it leaves open the possibility for exceptions through formal channels. Further clarification may be sought from the Prime Minister’s Department as the event concludes.