PUTRAJAYA, Aug 31 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim praised and expressed his appreciation to everyone involved, as well as members of the public who attended the 2026 National Day celebration at Dataran Putrajaya here today.

“Great, great show! Alhamdulillah, good. Thank you very much,” he told reporters after watching the 69th National Day parade and procession.

After the colourful, patriotic celebration, Anwar spent time mingling with the enthusiastic crowds, walking more than 500 metres around Dataran Putrajaya and even obliging requests for photographs.

One member of the crowd even thanked the Prime Minister for restoring the monthly basic eligibility quota under the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) programme from 200 litres to 300 litres, which he announced during the National Day Prime Minister’s Address yesterday.

“Thank you, Datuk Seri, for increasing Budi95,” the man said.

The celebration, which began at 8am, was graced by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the King and Queen of Malaysia. Their Majesties were received on arrival by Anwar and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, as well as Communications Minister and 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) Main Committee chairman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

Themed “Malaysia Madani: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati”, the celebration began with a military ceremony, followed by stage performances and a colourful parade showcasing the Malaysia Madani vision of a nation that prioritises the people’s well-being and respects diversity.

The parade involved 10,819 participants across 76 contingents and 22 marching bands, as well as 11 decorated vehicles, 328 land, sea and air assets, 112 service animals and 22 electric vehicles (EVs). It also featured a human graphics performance on the terraces.

More than 100,000 people joined the celebration, with some camping at Dataran Putrajaya since yesterday evening, while others began arriving in large numbers early this morning.

Yesterday, Anwar announced six key government initiatives for the people’s well-being in his National Day Address, including restoring the Budi95 monthly quota to 300 litres, benefiting more than 16 million users of subsidised RON95.

He also said more than half a million eligible owners of diesel-powered pickup trucks and jeeps would receive up to 400 litres of Budi Diesel monthly, effective Sept 1. — Bernama