THE Government has officially launched the 2026 National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign, with Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil describing this year's celebrations as a nationwide effort to strengthen patriotism, unity and appreciation of the country's shared prosperity.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Ipoh today, Fahmi, who is also Chairman of the National Day and Malaysia Day 2026 Main Committee, said the celebrations begin in Perak before expanding across the country as a symbol of national solidarity.
He expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for officiating the launch despite his busy schedule, and thanked the Perak state government, led by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, for its close cooperation in hosting the event.
Fahmi said Perak was a fitting venue for the launch because of its rich historical legacy, natural resources and multicultural heritage, noting that archaeological discoveries in the Lenggong Valley demonstrated the state's importance as one of the earliest centres of human settlement in the region.
He said Perak's historical role in trade and economic development had also contributed significantly to Malaysia's nation-building process, while its cultural diversity reflected the foundations of the country's plural society.
According to Fahmi, preserving that legacy requires Malaysians to continue safeguarding national unity, strengthening social harmony and defending the country's sovereignty to ensure Malaysia remains peaceful, prosperous and respected internationally.
This year's National Day and Malaysia Day theme, "Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati" ("Malaysia MADANI: Shared Prosperity"), reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that economic progress, national prosperity and the fruits of development are distributed fairly, equitably and inclusively to all Malaysians.
Fahmi said national well-being should not be measured solely through economic achievements, but also through improvements in quality of life, greater equality of opportunity and broader access to the benefits of development.
He added that the MADANI Government remains committed to ensuring that no Malaysian is left behind regardless of race, religion, region or background, as part of efforts to build a more united and prosperous nation.
The minister said this year's National Month celebrations would feature a wide range of programmes involving Malaysians from all walks of life, including the continuation of the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) initiative, which aims to bring messages of patriotism, unity and love for the nation closer to communities across the country.
Although this year's celebrations are being organised prudently through the optimisation of available resources, Fahmi stressed that promoting patriotism and deepening appreciation of the nation's independence remain the government's foremost priorities.
He also said the 1 House, 1 Jalur Gemilang initiative would continue to encourage Malaysians to fly the national flag as a symbol of sovereignty, unity and national pride.
Fahmi thanked the Prime Minister and all parties involved in making the launch a success, expressing confidence that the spirit of National Month, beginning in Perak, would spread throughout the country and unite Malaysians in preserving the harmony and well-being that define the nation. - July 19, 2026
