Tengku Zafrul (left) and Hay making a toast to King Charles III during the reception at Sentul Depot in Kuala Lumpur. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
BRITISH High Commissioner to Malaysia Charles Hay hosted a grand reception to mark King Charles III’s 75th birthday.
The event held in Kuala Lumpur also celebrated the longstanding UK-Malaysia relationship.
The guest of honour representing the Malaysian Government was Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
In previous years, the UK Mission hosted The Queen’s Birthday Party annually to engage with key stakeholders in Malaysia.
Following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing last September and King Charles III’s coronation in May, the mission celebrated for the first time in Malaysia the King’s birthday.
The venue at Sentul Depot was packed to the brim with about 1,000 guests including members of Malaysian royalty, senior government officials, diplomats and the business community.
The reception kicked off with Tengku Zafrul proposing a toast to the good health and well-being of King Charles III.
Hay reciprocated with a toast to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
In his speech, Hay said public service was not new to King Charles III.
The new British monarch served as the Prince of Wales for 64 years and has taken on most of the 600 charity patronages previously held by 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 UK, the Commonwealth and beyond,” said Hay.
He also spoke about the close relationship between the UK government and the Malaysian Government.
“The UK and Malaysia relationship has 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 the partnership continues, especially in economic transformation, climate and sustainability, clean growth, education and technology,” he added.
According to Hay, bilateral trade currently amounts to RM33.25bil 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.
The outgoing envoy concluded his speech with a Malay pantun (poem), and acknowledged the warmth and hospitality of Malaysians.
Guests at the reception were treated to the best of British food besides a showcase of British culture and performances by the Great British Circus.
Hand-drawn portraits of King Charles III by Malaysian pencil artist Hakim Abdullah were also on display.
