IPOH, Malaysia — Malaysia officially kicked off its 2026 National Month celebrations on Wednesday with the launch of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign, signaling the start of nationwide patriotic programming in the lead-up to National Day and Malaysia Day.
Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir recite the pledge during the launch of National Month 2026 in Perak.Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the launch ceremony at the Sultan Azlan Shah Ministry of Health Training Institute (ILKKM SAS) in Perak. The festivities set the tone for this year’s National Day and Malaysia Day Celebrations (HKHM), which operate under the central theme “Malaysia MADANI: Prosperity Shared.”
According to officials, the 2026 theme underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring economic progress, socio-economic development, and national prosperity are distributed equitably across all segments of Malaysian society.
Multicultural Pageantry and Official Theme Song Debut
Organized by the Ministry of Communications via the Department of Information (JAPEN) in coordination with the Perak State Government, the opening ceremony drew thousands of attendees and showcased the nation’s diverse cultural identity.
The event featured cultural performances from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students, who performed traditional Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Bornean gong drumming routines. Trainees from ILKKM SAS also contributed patriotic choral performances.
PATRIOTIC PERFORMANCE - Malaysian artist Faizal Tahir performs the newly launched 2026 National Month theme song, "Aku Berjanji," written and composed to inspire national unity and shared commitment during the campaign's launch in Perak.A key highlight of the ceremony was the debut of the official 2026 HKHM theme song, Aku Berjanji (“I Promise”), performed live by Malaysian singer Faizal Tahir. The anthem emphasizes national unity, civic duty, and the preservation of national sovereignty.
High-profile dignitaries in attendance included Perak Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad, Communications Minister Dato’ Seri Fahmi Fadzil, and National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, alongside members of the Cabinet and senior civil servants.
Event Highlights and Community Outreach
The national launch incorporated several civic and community-centric programs,
- Patriot Merdeka Run – Over 2,000 participants took part in the morning run, which was flagged off by Ministry of Communications Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah.
- Kita MADANI Initiatives – The site hosted several mobile public service booths, including the JAPEN Nationhood Exhibition, Wellness on Wheels (WOW), a mobile Dental Clinic, and NADI on Wheels (NOW).
- Cross-Agency Collaboration – Community health and digital services were provided through joint efforts by the Ministry of Health, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and Yayasan Bina Upaya Darul Ridzuan.
Nationwide Call to Action
To drive public engagement throughout August and September, the Ministry of Communications has made the official theme song, promotional toolkits, and campaign materials available for public access via the Merdeka360 portal.
The government is urging citizens, businesses, and public sector institutions to display the national flag—the Jalur Gemilang—at residential homes, commercial premises, and offices throughout National Month as a sign of national solidarity. Additional civic events organized by government bodies, private sector partners, and non-governmental organizations will roll out nationwide in the coming weeks ahead of National Day on August 31 and Malaysia Day on September 16.
Attendees from multi-ethnic backgrounds display the national flag as they take part in the launch of National Month 2026 in Perak, anchored by this year’s theme, “Malaysia MADANI: Prosperity Shared.”
