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.
The communications ministry has clarified that former prime ministers are not automatically invited to National Day celebrations in Malaysia. Abdul Halim Hamzah, the minister's secretary-general and head of the protocol and international conference division, stated that there are specific procedures in place for extending invitations.
Since 2018, invitations to the National Day event have not been granted automatically to former prime ministers. However, it is not barred for a former leader to attend, provided they apply for the invitation following established procedures. This clarification emerged after Dr Mahathir Mohamad's son, Mukhriz, shared a photo of his father at the National Day celebration in Putrajaya on Facebook.
Mukhriz mentioned that his father attended the event despite not receiving an invitation. The ministry noted that Mahathir would be abroad from August 28 to 31, as confirmed by an application for "Facilities for Rest Abroad" received and approved by the prime minister, in line with provisions under the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980.
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