High Commissioner Charles Hay and Minister Tengku Zafrul on the stage.
British High Commissioner to Malaysia Charles Hay hosted a grand reception to mark His Majesty King Charles III’s 75th birthday and celebrating the longstanding UK-Malaysia relationship. The guest of honour representing the Malaysian Government was Tengku Zafrul bin Tengku Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.
In previous years, the UK Mission hosted The Queen’s Birthday Party annually to engage and thank key stakeholders in Malaysia. Following Queen Elizabeth II’s death last September and King Charles III’s Coronation in May, the UK Mission is celebrating, for the first time in Malaysia, The King’s birthday.
The event was attended by approximately 1,000 guests including members of the Malaysian royalty, senior government officials and the business community. It kicked off with Minister Tengku Zafrul leading a toast to the good health and wellbeing of His Majesty King Charles III. High Commissioner Hay then reciprocated with a toast to DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.
In his speech, Hay said that public duties and service are not new to King Charles III. The new British monarch has served as The Prince of Wales for 64 years before this. He is now taking on most of the 600 charity patronages previously held by The Late Queen. Hay said:
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 UK, the Commonwealth and beyond.
Hay also spoke about the close relationship between His Majesty’s Government and the Malaysian Government. He said:
The 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. The UK’s commitment to partnership continues, especially in the areas of economic transformation, climate and sustainability, clean growth, education and technology.
According to Hay, bilateral trade currently totals £5.6 billion and 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.
Hay, who is coming to the end of his 4-year posting in Malaysia, concluded his speech with a Malay pantun, and acknowledged the warmth and hospitality of the people of Malaysia. Hay also thanked major sponsors for the event including YTL Corporation, EcoWorld, Orando Holdings, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Sime Darby Motors, L1 Bank and Pickenham Estate English Wines.
Guests who attended the reception were treated to the best of British food, a showcase of British culture, performances by the Great British Circus. Also on display were hand-drawn portraits of King Charles III by Malaysian pencil artiste Hakim Abdullah.
