Malaysia celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday
The British High Commission Kuala Lumpur held a grand reception to celebrate The Queen's 90th birthday and Britain-Malaysia ties.
Kuala Lumpur, 28 April 2016 – The British High Commission Kuala Lumpur held a majestic reception in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Hosted by the British High Commissioner to Malaysia H.E. Vicki Treadell CMG MVO, the event this year was momentous as The Queen turns 90. Her amazing reign of 64 years has made her the longest reigning British monarch and Head of Commonwealth.
In her speech, Treadell described The Queen as someone who has spanned history and played a part in its making.
“The Queen has been part of the UK and Malaysia’s journey together as two nations. Today, our relationship is one of partnership, underpinned by strong two-way trade and investment, education links, collaborations in scientific research, defence and security engagement.”
The Queen’s Birthday Party this year was graced by Y.B. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry Malaysia who represented the Malaysian government as the Guest of Honour. He joined Treadell in toasting to The Queen’s health and longevity.
Although The Queen was not physically present at the reception in Kuala Lumpur, she made a “guest appearance”, waving to the guests on the big screen after Treadell’s speech. In conjunction with the global Shakespeare Lives campaign, guests were also treated to a surprise subtle mob when actors sprung out in the crowd and presented short recitals of Shakespeare’s famous lines.
Among the guests spotted at the reception were YAM Dato’ Seri DiRaja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz binti Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah from the Kedah Royal family, senior government officials, foreign dignitaries, business leaders, civil society representatives, celebrities, socialites, scholars and alumni. It was an evening of grandeur and festivity where the venue of the reception transformed to look like the Buckingham Palace.
The Queen’s official birthday falls on 11 June. As it falls in the month of Ramadhan, the British High Commission brought forward the celebration to tie in with The Queen’s personal birthday on 21 April.