JUNE 7, 2015
PAGE 12 NEW SUNDAY TIMES
NEWS
‘Malaysia, Britain part of the same family’
RE-ENGAGING RELATIONS: British
High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell has a unique link to Malaysia. She was born and schooled in Ipoh, before moving to Britain at 8 with her parents, who were also born in what was then Malaya. She talks to foreign editor Syed Azahedi Syed Abdul Aziz about her plans to promote deeper ties between the countries Question: You were born in Ipoh before you moved to Britain with your parents. Do you have fond memories? Any favourite dishes? Answer: I have lots of fond memories of my childhood in Ipoh. And, of course, a lot of it is filled with fond memories of food — Ipoh is one of the renowned culinary spots in Malaysia. But I was a little girl at the time, so my tendency was to-
constructively on issues that matter to us. If we take (for example) countering extremism, this is an issue affecting many countries. Britain and Malaysia have young people who, for whatever reason, are inspired to go to Syria and Iraq to become jihadists under a false premise, which is influencing (other) young people.
something that most ordinary people find quite abhorrent. And, this is where we can share our experience and learn from each other on how to tackle this. Internationally, too, Malaysia has a seat on the United Nations Security Council for this year and the next. This is a topic that we will work on together. And, Malaysia’s own initiative, the Global Move-
tect peace and security in society. That is important. I remember a childhood growing up in this country, with people who were Malay, Chinese, Indian and other ethnicities, like Eurasians and (being of) mixed race. And (there was) that sense of understanding and respect. It’s a country I’m very close to and that I care about deeply. Question: In private earlier, you said you were keen to engage Malaysian youth and women. Could you elaborate on this? Answer: I think for Britain to have a much wider and deeper relationship with Malaysia, we want to open up new fronts of engagement with the broader civil society. With youth, of course, (we have) a younger generation of Malaysians for whom the historical relationship
trade and investment, and economic relationship. Education is really important for young people, and employment is a big issue. I am very keen for British companies that are creating jobs here, which are seen as part of the delivery solution for employment, for helping Malaysia move up the value chain, to diversify its economy. With women, I see that as part of engagement with half of Malaysian society. Why wouldn’t you have a special programme to engage with half of Malaysian society? And, women’s empowerment and women’s rights are something I am committed to and interested in. How do you talent-manage and encourage women to go into business, industry and academia? How do you help them rise in those organisations and institutions?