FORMER prime ministers are not automatically issued invitations to Malaysia’s National Day celebrations under established federal protocol, the National Day 2026 Secretariat has said.
The clarification follows questions over the presence of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the 69th National Day parade at Dataran Putrajaya.
2026 National Day and Malaysia Day Celebration Working Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah said invitation protocols for major federal events are handled by the Protocol and International Conference Secretariat Division (BIUPA) under the Prime Minister’s Department.
"Based on practice established since 2018, invitations to National Day celebrations are no longer automatically extended to former prime ministers," Abdul Halim said in an official statement.
He said, however, that former leaders are not prohibited from attending National Day celebrations, with arrangements possible if they submit a formal request through the appropriate protocol channels.
The Secretariat also clarified that the Prime Minister’s Office had previously processed an application by Mahathir to use Overseas Rest Facilities.
The application stated that Mahathir would be overseas from Aug 28 to 31 and was approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in accordance with the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980.
The clarification comes amid renewed public attention on protocol surrounding former national leaders and their participation in major federal events.
The Secretariat said the arrangements were made in accordance with established procedures and should not be interpreted as a restriction on former prime ministers attending National Day celebrations. - September 1, 2026
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