More than 100,000 people gathered at Dataran Putrajaya on Tuesday to celebrate Malaysia’s 69th National Day in a well-organized event marked by patriotic displays and a festive atmosphere. The program proceeded smoothly throughout the day, with favorable weather contributing to the success of the celebrations.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil expressed appreciation to Malaysians from various regions, including Sandakan in Sabah, Johor Baru, and Jeli in Kelantan, who traveled to the capital to join the festivities. He acknowledged the efforts of the relevant agencies in maintaining the pleasant weather conditions and ensuring the event’s smooth operation. Fahmi also noted that many attendees took advantage of the occasion to spend time with their families in Putrajaya, emphasizing his hope that the celebrations would deepen national unity and love for the country.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, were present to witness the event, marking their third consecutive year attending since the King's oath-taking and installation as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2024. They were warmly received by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, along with members of the Cabinet.
The official program included a trumpet call followed by the playing of the national anthem, Negaraku, performed by the Main Honour Guard band. A fly-past by five helicopters carrying the Malaysian flag and the flags of the Malaysian Armed Forces, Army, Navy, and Air Force added to the ceremonial grandeur. Sultan Ibrahim inspected the parade and received the Royal Salute from the Main Honour Guard, comprised of personnel from the Ceremonial Royal Artillery Regiment based at Sungai Buloh Camp.
Contributing to the event’s patriotic ambiance was a human graphic display presented by parade participants holding yellow placards spelling out “Daulat Tuanku.” During the flag-raising ceremony, Sultan Ibrahim saluted as military helicopters bearing the Jalur Gemilang flew overhead. The celebrations concluded with another rendition of Negaraku before the King and Queen departed from the venue.
Following the formal program, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim engaged with the crowd, greeting human graphic performers and members of the public, particularly children. His interactions elicited cheers and warm responses, with Anwar commending the participants’ efforts, saying, “Thank God, good show. Thank you very much. Great, great show.”
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described this year’s National Day celebrations as exceptionally impressive, attributing the improvement to a rising sense of patriotism among Malaysians reflected throughout the event.
Looking ahead, Fahmi Fadzil, who chairs the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day committee, announced that preparations for the upcoming Malaysia Day celebrations in Kuching would be finalized soon. The Sept. 16 event will include a historical exhibition on Malaysia’s formation, with various activities planned around the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and Plaza Merdeka. Further information will be available through the Merdeka360 portal, the official source for Malaysia’s National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.