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.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s son, Mukhriz, posted a photo of his father at this morning’s National Day celebration in Putrajaya, saying he attended despite not receiving an invitation. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Former prime ministers are not automatically invited to National Day celebrations, says communications ministry secretary-general Abdul Halim Hamzah.

Halim, who is the chairman of the secretariat handling this year’s celebrations, said the protocol and international conference division under the Prime Minister’s Department confirmed that there are set procedures regarding invitations to the celebration.

“Based on the practice since 2018, invitations to the National Day celebration are not automatically extended to former prime ministers,” he said in a statement.

“However, the attendance of any former leader is not barred and can be arranged through an application by the party concerned, in accordance with the established procedures for managing official invitations.”

The statement comes after Mahathir’s son Mukhriz posted on Facebook a photo of his father at the celebrations in Putrajaya with a caption showing that he had attended despite not receiving an invitation.

Halim also said that the secretariat had been informed by the Prime Minister’s Office that Mahathir would be abroad from Aug 28 to 31.

He said this was based on an application for “Facilities for Rest Abroad” that had been received and approved by the prime minister, in accordance with provisions on the Remuneration of Former Prime Ministers under the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980. - FMT