Treadell (right) and reknowned shoe designer Datuk Jimmy Choo (second right) discussing the results while viewing TV broadcast of the election at her residence. — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: The relationship between Britain and Malaysia will be unchanged regardless of the outcome of the 2017 UK general election, which ended in a hung Parliament, said British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell.
She said successive British governments had vested in the relationship with Malaysia and the commitment between the two countries in trade and investment, and ties in education were very strong.
“We have been friends, allies and partners for a very long time. The Malaysian and British peoples, regardless of governments, have always connected and done things together. That’s how i see it continue.
“This year, we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Malaysia’s independence which we recognise is the moment we change our relationship to a modern-time partnership,” she told reporters at the viewing of election results at her residence here yesterday.
On education, she said it was not just a case of Malaysians going to the United Kingdom to study. British institutions have come to Malaysia to help the government make the country an education destination.
“So far, over 30 British international schools and five British universities have brought their campuses here. We are genuinely vested in each other’s country,” Treadell added.
As for the British polls, she noted that it was a tight race between Conservative and Labour which as of noon yesterday garnered 313 and 260 seats, respectively.
She drew attention to the high voter turnout of 75-80 per cent which she said was significant for the UK and one reason for ‘a certain level of uncertainty’ over the final outcome. — Bernama