KUALA LUMPUR: In a first of its kind, the British High Commissioner to Malaysia has been nominated as the Private Secretary (Foreign Affairs) to the United Kingdom Prime Minister.
British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ailsa Terry will take on a new role at No. 10 Downing Street early next month said the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur in a statement on Thursday (Aug 8).
It read that Terry has been appointed the Prime Minister’s Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
It said her role would entail advising Prime Minister Keir Starmer on foreign policy issues and working closely with the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office in London.
"This is the first time a British High Commissioner to Malaysia has been nominated as the Private Secretary to the Prime Minister.
"Terry will officially take on her new role in No. 10 Downing Street early next month," it read.
With effect from Aug 29 this year (2024), David Wallace will take over as Charge d'Affaires.
"Wallace who has been the Deputy High Commissioner since 2022, will ensure that the work of the High Commission continues as usual during this transition," it said.
On her move, Terry was quoted as saying that it was a huge privilege.
"I am honoured to be given this opportunity to serve in the Prime Minister’s office.
“Since I started as the British High Commissioner to Malaysia in August 2023, my team here and I have accomplished so much in strengthening the UK-Malaysia’s partnership in the areas of trade, technology, education, climate, defence and security.
"I have visited many states and my family and I have made many friends around Malaysia.
"We will miss the people, sights and sound, smell and flavours of Malaysia,” she said.
