The event was initially supposed to be held at Hotel Impiana KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, but was cancelled due to “technical problems”.

The organiser, Sekretariat Proklamasi Orang Melayu, said a second location was selected only for them to be informed last night by its management that the booking had been cancelled.

“We were not provided with any reason,” the secretariat said in a statement.

While they did not identify the second venue, Utusan Malaysia reported it was to be held at the Sime Darby Convention Centre in Bukit Kiara, also in KL.

The secretariat then apologised to the invitees for the changes and informed them that it will make an announcement soon.

Mahathir is expected to attend the event in his personal capacity and not as a representative of Putra, the party he recently joined after quitting Pejuang, which he founded.

The event comes in the wake of the former prime minister’s claim that Malays were no longer dominating the national politics and economy.

In 2019, Mahathir, who was then leading the Pakatan Harapan government, attended the Malay Dignity Congress but dismissed accusations it was racial in nature as he claimed there were no speeches that criticised the non-Malays.

Sekretariat Proklamasi Orang Melayu was previously reported to have said that the “Malay proclamation” event was not political in nature but only intended to discuss issues pertaining to the Malay community.