Yesterday (Aug 31), thousands of Malaysians gathered at Dataran Putrajaya to celebrate the country’s 69th year of independence despite the ongoing haze crisis which has sickened many.
Amid the celebrations, there was one iconic personality that surprised people not because of his attendance, but the circumstances surrounding it.
Allegedly not invited
In a photo posted on Facebook by Mukhriz Mahathir, it showed former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, now 101 years old, seated in a wheelchair and holding onto a Jalur Gemilang as he watched the Merdeka parade.
On top of that, he wasn’t seated at the VIP section alongside prominent figures, but with the crowd who had to brave the hot sun.
In the caption, Mukhriz simply wrote a one-liner which read: “No invitation? No problem.”
Netizens disappointed
After news of Mahathir’s appearance at the Merdeka parade went viral on social media, netizens didn’t waste time in expressing dismay over how the former premier was reportedly not invited to Malaysia’s biggest and most important occasion.
One wrote that political differences do not justify not inviting Mahathir to the event as he, despite his flaws and past missteps, had contributed greatly to the country’s development.
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Another wrote that she was “heartbroken” to see the 101-year-old not being given a seat that was shaded or comfortable.
Whether you agree with his politics or not, I believe we should all be able to agree on one thing: our elderly deserve dignity, respect and compassion,” she added.
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Explanation
Following the hoo-ha surrounding Mahathir, the communications ministry released a statement providing clarification on the matter.
According to its secretary-general Abdul Halim Hamzah, he said existing protocols, which were in place since 2018, do not automatically invite past prime ministers to Merdeka celebrations.
However, he added no former premiers are prohibited from attending as they can make an application so that an official invitation can be arranged.
Halim also revealed that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) had been informed that Mahathir would be overseas from Aug 28 to 31.
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