Since 2018, past premiers have not received automatic invitations to the National Day celebrations, as clarified today by the National Day 2026 secretariat. Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, the secretariat’s chairman, explained that while past leaders are welcome to participate, their presence can be organized through a request submitted by the relevant party, following standard protocols and official invitation guidelines.
Understanding National Day Event Protocols for Former Leaders
Official federal government events are managed by the Prime Minister’s Department’s Protocol and International Conference Secretariat Division. According to Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, who is also communications ministry secretary-general, invitations to the National Day celebrations are not automatically extended to former prime ministers based on the practice since 2018.
Although they do not receive automatic entry passes, past leaders are permitted to join, and their participation can be arranged via a formal request from the interested party, adhering to established administrative protocols and official invitation procedures.
Did You Know?
The Protocol and International Conference Secretariat Division of the Prime Minister’s Department was responsible for handling invitations to major official federal government gatherings.
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Attendance at Dataran Putrajaya
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, however, made an appearance at the 2026 National Day celebrations at Dataran Putrajaya here this morning. Through a video streamed live on the @chedetofficial TikTok profile, the centenarian politician was captured greeting attendees from the comfort of an electric wheelchair.
Halim noted that the Prime Minister’s Office informed the secretariat that former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad would be out of the country between Aug 28 and 31. He mentioned that the journey was requested for overseas rest amenities, which Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim subsequently received and approved as prime minister.
Pursuant to the regulations outlining the perks and compensation of past prime ministers under the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980, the journey relied on a request for overseas rest amenities that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim received and sanctioned.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Protocol Authority | Prime Minister’s Department’s Protocol and International Conference Secretariat Division |
| Established Practice Since | 2018 |
| Governing Remuneration Act | Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are former Malaysian prime ministers automatically invited to National Day?
The National Day 2026 secretariat announced today that former prime ministers have not received automatic invitations to the National Day festivities going back to 2018.
Who manages official federal event invitations in Malaysia?
The Prime Minister’s Department’s Protocol and International Conference Secretariat Division handled the issuance of invitations for significant official federal government functions.
Under what act are overseas rest facilities approved for former prime ministers?
In alignment with the guidelines regulating the remuneration and privileges of former prime ministers set out by the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980, the journey was initiated through a request for overseas rest facilities that was submitted to and endorsed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Stay Updated on National Events
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest updates on government protocols, national celebrations, and official announcements directly in your inbox.
Worth a look