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At 101 years old, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad once again reminded Malaysians that the spirit of Merdeka has no age limit.
On 31 August 2026, the veteran statesman made his way to Dataran Putrajaya to be part of the National Day and Malaysia Day celebration. This time, however, he arrived in an electric wheelchair , a sight that was both poignant and deeply symbolic. For a man who has spent decades at the centre of Malaysia's history, seeing Tun Dr Mahathir among thousands of Malaysians celebrating Merdeka carried a special meaning. He waved to members of the public, greeted visitors and took photographs with Malaysians who approached him. Members of the security forces and ordinary citizens alike took the opportunity to shake his hand and exchange greetings.
At 101, his physical strength may no longer be what it once was. But his presence spoke louder than words. The body may become weaker with age, but the spirit to love and serve one's country can remain strong.
Tun Dr Mahathir also shared a short Merdeka message, accompanied by a video reflecting on his journey leading Malaysia during his two periods as Prime Minister from 1981 to 2003 and again from 2018 to 2020.
“Happy 69th Independence and National Day, Malaysia!” he said.
His appearance this year was particularly significant because it marked his first attendance at the celebration in a wheelchair. It is also a reminder that Merdeka is not merely about grand parades, flags and celebrations. At its heart, Merdeka is about belonging, about every Malaysian having a place in the story of this nation.
A 101-year-old former Prime Minister arriving in a wheelchair to celebrate Malaysia may seem like a simple moment. But sometimes, the simplest moments carry the deepest meaning.
He came not as a former leader demanding attention, but simply as a Malaysian to witness, to celebrate and to share in the joy of Merdeka with the community. And perhaps that is one of the most beautiful messages of #MalaysiaKita. We may come from different generations, different backgrounds and different walks of life, but on Merdeka Day, we stand together as Malaysians.
At 101, Tun Dr Mahathir is still here. Still waving the Malaysian spirit. Still celebrating Merdeka. Still part of the story of Malaysia.
Selamat Hari Kebangsaan, Malaysia. Merdeka is not only a date in our history. It is a spirit we carry forward together.
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