Ajay Sharma appointed as new British High Commissioner to Malaysia

SHAH ALAM - The British government has appointed Ajay Sharma CMG as the new British High Commissioner to Malaysia, succeeding Ailsa Terry CMG.

In a statement, the High Commission said Sharma is expected to begin his tenure in Malaysia within the coming weeks. This marks his fourth Head of Mission role, a seasoned diplomat with a 30-year career.

He previously served as the UK Chargé d'Affaires to Iran from 2013 to 2015, the British Ambassador to Qatar from 2015 to 2020 and Chargé d’Affaires to Turkey from 2022 to 2023.

His earlier postings include Moscow and Paris, where he was Deputy Ambassador to France.

Before assuming this new position, Sharma held key leadership roles including director for International Affairs in the National Security Secretariat of the Cabinet Office and a director in the Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office.

"He has played pivotal roles in international negotiations, notably as the UK Representative for a Cyprus Settlement from 2021 to 2022 and as Deputy Negotiator for the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA)," the statement read.

Born in London and an Oxford University graduate, Sharma brings a wealth of experience and linguistic skills, being fluent in French and Turkish while currently learning Bahasa Melayu.

Notably, Sharma becomes the first British High Commissioner to Malaysia of non-white descent—marking a significant moment in the history of UK diplomatic representation in the region.

Sharma is set to arrive in Malaysia with his family in the next few weeks to commence his appointment. David Wallace remains the Acting High Commissioner until Sharma arrives, the statement added.

The High Commissioner post in Malaysia had remained vacant since August 2024, when Terry was appointed as the UK Prime Minister’s Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

Her move to Downing Street marked a historic milestone as the first British High Commissioner to Malaysia to take the prestigious role.

Terry, who served as High Commissioner from August 2023, had expressed gratitude for her time in Malaysia, highlighting her contributions to strengthening bilateral ties in trade, technology, education, climate and security.