I extend my warmest congratulations to Andy Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. I look forward to working with him to take the Malaysia-UK Strategic Partnership to the next stage, from concluding a Digital Trade Agreement to closer cooperation in artificial intelligence, digitalisation, clean energy and defence. I was encouraged by Mr Burnham's recent acknowledgment that Britain's initial response to the suffering in Gaza fell short, and by his call for greater pressure on the Israeli regime. At a time when many in the West have struggled to show the moral clarity this crisis demands, that recognition is a welcome and important first step. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the United Kingdom. It will be a fitting opportunity to renew our commitment to this longstanding partnership and to shape its next chapter together. I also take this opportunity to thank Keir Starmer for his contributions to Malaysia-UK relations during his tenure as Prime Minister. I wish him every success in his future endeavours. ANWAR IBRAHIM Photo: EPA