To commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and 96th birthday, High Commissioner Charles Hay hosted a grand reception in Kuala Lumpur today.
The Malaysian Government was represented by Yang Berhormat Tengku Zafrul bin Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Finance.
The minister began the event by proposing a toast to Her Majesty The Queen’s good health and well-being. Hay then returned the favor by toasting DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.
Hay paid tribute to The Queen and her dedication to serving the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in his speech. He said:
“The most important facet of Her Majesty’s reign is her sense of duty and tireless devotion to a life of service.
“Through the seven decades of her reign, The Queen has been an important source of stability and strength for the UK. She has transcended politics, change of government, wars, and pandemic.”
Hay also mentioned Her Majesty’s Government’s close relationship with the Malaysian Government. He said:
“The UK and Malaysia have a deep shared history, which today has flourished into a modern day partnership where both countries are working collaboratively across areas of mutual interest.”
According to Hay, the UK has contributed a total of £15 million in the last three years alone to implement economic partnership programmes with Malaysia.
Bilateral trade between the United Kingdom and Malaysia exceeded £5 billion, with the UK aiming to expand priority sectors such as education, technology, smart cities, and healthcare.
Hay also used the Malay proverb “Berat sama dipikul, ringan sama dijinjing” in his speech to express his support for Ukrainian Ambassador Olexander Nechytaylo and the Ukrainian people at a time when Ukraine is defending itself against Russia’s aggression.
Over 800 guests attended the reception, including members of Malaysian royalty, senior representatives from ministries, youth and non-governmental organizations, the diplomatic corps, and the business community.
Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong was also present. During a special visit to the UK in 2019, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong met The Queen at Buckingham Palace.
Guests were treated to a showcase of British culture and pageantry, the best of British food, performances by the Great British Circus, and a selection of UK hit songs spanning 70 years of The Queen’s reign.
Portraits of The Queen by Malaysian pencil artist Hakim Abdullah and digital artwork by British artist Rachel Gray were also on display.
Hay thanked the event’s sponsors, including Sime Darby Properties, YTL Corporation, Eco World, HSBC, AirAsia, and JW Marriott, as well as a slew of other partners.