LINKS BETWEEN Tower Hamlets and Malaysia took another step forward this week, as H.E. Dato' Indera Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia, came to visit the Borough.

Malaysia is made up of 879 islands – rather more than Tower Hamlets, which has just one. In the 18th century the original Malay kingdoms became part of the British Empire, and in the Second World war that territory was occupied by Japan. After the war, the country was unified as the Federation of Malaya – which then gained its independence in 1957. In 1963 Malaya united with other British colonies in the area to become Malaysia.

Its history and geography have mad Malaysia a very diverse countries, with its population representing many ethnicities, languages and religions. Favourite sports in Malaysia include football, badminton and hockey – making it even more of a fit with Tower Hamlets.

This was a follow-up visit to the visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in 2025. Tower Hamlets is seeking closer, friendly ties with Malaysia which can support Malaysian residents in Tower Hamlets – and looking for investment. The trading relationship between the UK and Malaysia was valued at approximately £6.4 million in 2025, so there is plenty to build on.

 
Mayor Lutfur Rahman

“From Canary Wharf to our vibrant communities, Tower Hamlets is a borough built on international connections and ambition,” explained Mayor Lutfur Rahman. “I am delighted to welcome this delegation from Malaysia, led by H.E. Dato’ Indera Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, as we explore new opportunities to deepen the cultural and trade ties that enrich both our communities.

“At the local level, I am delighted to announce a council-led initiative to hold our first-ever East Asian Heritage Month early next year, to recognise and celebrate the diversity of our borough, not least our local Malaysian community.”

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H.E. Dato' Indera Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar

H.E. Dato’ Indera Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar was happy to strengthen ties too. “It is a pleasure to meet Mayor Lutfur Rahman at the Tower Hamlets Council, along with esteemed officers and cabinet members,” he said. “This visit reflects the enduring, deep-rooted and positive relationship between Malaysia and the United Kingdom.

“It is at the community level where these international ties truly thrive. Tower Hamlets is a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic borough. We look forward to building upon our strong existing relationship while exploring new, mutually beneficial avenues of collaboration in areas such as community development, education, culture, and local enterprise. By working closely together, we can create meaningful opportunities that benefit both the Malaysian diaspora and the wider communities of Tower Hamlets.”

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