KUALA LUMPUR – While the UK government shifts its approach to Israel’s war on Gaza, Malaysia is poised to play a significant role in Middle East de-escalation efforts, according to outgoing British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ailsa Terry.
Speaking to Scoop, Terry, who will soon take on the role of the UK prime minister’s private secretary for Foreign Affairs at No. 10 Downing Street next month, noted the evolving stance of the UK towards the Israel-Palestine issue and praised Malaysia’s potential influence in fostering peace.
Terry highlighted the challenges she faced during her tenure here, particularly in relation to the aggressions in Palestine, which have escalated since October 7 last year.
“(The issue) has been challenging for all of us at a human level, and there are also such strong feelings about that here and in the UK,” she said.
She acknowledged that while the UK and Malaysia may not always share the same position on the Israel-Palestine issue, there is significant common ground – particularly in their shared desire for a two-state solution and an end to the violence.
Terry also touched on the sensitive issue of Malaysia’s lack of diplomatic ties with Israel, suggesting that opening communication channels could enhance Malaysia’s role as a peacemaker.
“We haven’t always agreed on who is to blame or the best way to stop the conflict, but I’ve always appreciated the respectful and polite conversations I’ve had with Malaysian government officials and ministers,” Terry said, praising the diplomatic culture in Malaysia.
“I think it would be helpful if Malaysia would have those diplomatic relations with Israel – partly because Malaysia has a perspective to bear given the government’s relationship with Hamas, but also due to Malaysia’s role in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
“Prime Minister (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim has been a voice for issues affecting the Islamic world, so I do think it would be beneficial – but that’s obviously for Malaysia to decide,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of Malaysia continuing to use its voice to call for regional de-escalation, particularly given its close ties with Iran.
“For Malaysia to keep using its voice to call for regional de-escalation is the single most important thing it can do, given its close ties with Iran as well. So I think Malaysia has an important role to play there,” Terry said.
The assassination of Hamas political bureau chairman Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran late last month has escalated Iran-Israel tensions to levels not seen since last year’s October 7 when a Hamas strike resulted in approximately 1,139 deaths in Israel and the capture of over 200 individuals.
Since then, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, Israel’s ongoing aggressions on Palestine have resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians since Israel initiated its military actions against Hamas.
Terry also expressed optimism about Malaysia’s future role on the international stage, particularly as it prepares to take on the Asean chairmanship next year.
She noted the significant opportunity this presents for Malaysia to influence regional and global issues, particularly in relation to Myanmar.
“Prime Minister Anwar and others have spoken about Myanmar to improve the situation there, which from my perspective is very fantastic and I am very keen to put support behind Malaysia,” Terry said, adding that Malaysia’s balanced relationships with major powers like the US, China, and India are crucial for maintaining stability in the region.
UK’s evolving stance on Israel-Palestine conflict
Terry also shed light on the UK’s evolving stance towards the Palestinian situation and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, marking a shift under the new Labour government.
She highlighted that the UK has called for a permanent ceasefire and lifted its opposition to cases brought before the International Criminal Court, signalling a more assertive approach to supporting international law and humanitarian efforts.
Additionally, the UK has significantly increased its humanitarian aid to Palestinians and taken a firmer stance in its public messaging, particularly in criticising the Israeli government’s actions, she added.
She also noted that the UK government has imposed additional sanctions against Israeli settlers, reflecting a tougher stance than the previous administration.
Addressing concerns over the UK’s supply of armaments to Israel, Terry clarified that the UK contributes only a minuscule fraction – approximately 0.04% – of Israel’s total arms imports, a level maintained due to stringent human rights checks.
“I always like to address this because, of the total kind of armaments that Israel buys and all kinds of equipment such as helmets and so on, the UK only supplies something like 0.04%. So it’s almost nothing and that has been the case for a long time now because of human rights concerns.”
“We have an export licence which examines everything that Israel buys from us and other countries, (which also) looks at human rights (records) and what the compliance is like.”
“The current government has wanted to review the existing exports, which are very small in number. So it’s already at a very, very low level as I understand it.”
Terry also responded to criticisms that the UK is simultaneously providing aid to Palestinians while supplying armaments to Israel.
She stressed that the UK government believes in Israel’s right to self-defence, while equally upholding the right of Palestinians to safety and security.
Terry reiterated the importance of bringing all parties to the negotiating table to establish a lasting ceasefire.
In a broader context, Terry acknowledged the role of social media and disinformation in exacerbating tensions and conflicts.
She revealed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a review of social media regulations to better tackle the spread of hate online, which has been a significant factor in fuelling the recent unrest in the UK.
Terry underscored the UK’s longstanding support for the Palestinian Authority, including decades of assistance in public services such as education and tax administration.
She reaffirmed the Labour government’s commitment to recognising a Palestinian state at a time deemed most conducive to advancing the peace process. – August 16, 2024
