DATUK Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians to enter the New Year with unity, collective resolve and a shared determination to strengthen national cohesion, as he reaffirmed the MADANI Government’s commitment to inclusive reforms and equitable prosperity.
In his New Year message posted on Facebook today, the Prime Minister said Malaysians must continue to give substance to reforms and ensure that the nation’s growth benefits all sections of society.
“Let us move forward in unison, aligning our efforts and resolve, to realise a more just, prosperous and resilient Malaysia MADANI, elevate the nation’s standing to a higher level, and ensure inclusive prosperity for all,” he said.
Anwar stressed that the MADANI Government would continue to discharge its responsibilities with integrity, guided by trust, courage and compassion, in order to deliver tangible benefits to the people and secure a more stable and prosperous future for the country.
He and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, also conveyed their prayers for the nation’s continued peace and ell-being.
“May 2026 be a brighter and more meaningful year for all Malaysians. Azizah and I pray that this beloved country will continue to remain peaceful, harmonious and prosperous,” he said.
Last night, the Prime Minister was among thousands who gathered in Bukit Bintang on New Year’s Eve to welcome 2026 in a large-scale public celebration that doubled as a countdown to the highly anticipated Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
The event, held in front of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, featured performances by leading local artistes alongside an immersive multimedia showcase.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot were also present.
In a statement, Tiong said the celebration symbolised the start of momentum for VM2026 and signalled Malaysia’s readiness to welcome visitors from around the world.
“Malaysia is now fully ready to showcase its unique culture, creativity, and the warm hospitality of its people,” he said.
“It marks a strong head start towards our aspiration of 43 million international visitor arrivals, further solidifying our position on the global tourism map,” he added.
The main stage programme featured performances by Shila Amzah, Aina Abdul, Belle Sisoski, Vanessa Reynauld, Kidd Santhe, The Kuans, KLP48, Nazu, Rezza Shah, Danson Ooi, Euzen and Penny, under the musical direction of renowned music director Genervie Kam.
This was followed by a 10-minute cultural presentation highlighting five major cultural traditions in Malaysia — Bidayuh, Kadazan, Chinese, Indian and Malay — blending traditional rhythms with contemporary elements.
As midnight struck, the celebration culminated in a fireworks display and a drone formation show, which lit up the skyline with images of the VM2026 sun bear mascots, Wira and Manja, and extended a festive Happy New Year greeting to the crowd.
The VM2026 campaign is anchored on five strategic pillars: sustainability, cultural heritage, nature-based adventure, digital innovation and global connectivity.
The nationwide initiative aims to broaden Malaysia’s tourism reach, encourage longer stays and offer visitors meaningful opportunities to experience the country’s diverse cultural identities across its regions. - January 1, 2026
