KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — The British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur hosted a grand reception on Wednesday night at Sentul Depot here to mark the 75th birthday celebration of King Charles III, the first celebration held in Malaysia in 70 years for a British monarch.
High Commissioner Charles Hay in his speech at the event said that public duties and service are not new to Charles, as the new British monarch has served as the Prince of Wales for 64 years before this.
His Majesty is now taking on most of the 600 charity patronages previously held by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
“This tradition of service continues, and in this ever-changing world the British Monarch continues to be an important source of stability and strength for the United Kingdom (UK), the Commonwealth and beyond,” he said.
The event, which was also held to commemorate the coronation of Charles and UK – Malaysia ties was attended by approximately 1,000 guests including members of the Malaysian royalty, senior government officials and the business community.
It kicked off with Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz leading a toast to the good health and wellbeing of His Majesty. Hay then reciprocated with a toast to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
The high commissioner, who is coming to the end of his four-year posting in Malaysia, also spoke on the close relationship between His Majesty’s Government and the Malaysian Government.
“UK and Malaysia relations have reached a new height. The UK has become a dialogue partner with Asean and has launched a strategic dialogue with Malaysia and its commitment to partnership continues, especially in the areas of economic transformation, climate and sustainability, clean growth, education and technology,” he added.
According to Hay, bilateral trade between Malaysia and UK currently totals £5.6 billion (RM33.2 billion), adding the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will open up new business opportunities, market access and talent mobility, especially with Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul said the UK’s inclusion in the CPTPP is expected to further boost ties with Malaysia, adding that he is looking forward to the CPTPP meeting set to be held in New Zealand next month.
“With the UK’s participation, I expect to see an increase in trade and investment flows between the two countries,” he said.
Guests who attended the reception were treated to the best of British food, a showcase of British culture, and performances by the Great British Circus. Also on display were hand-drawn portraits of King Charles by Malaysian pencil artist Hakim Abdullah.
— Bernama
