UK government 'deeply regrets' Batang Kali massacre: Full text of the letter

31 March 2025

Dear Dato Quek Ngee Meng,

Thank you for your letter of 6 September 2024 to the Foreign Secretary. I am replying as the Minister for the Indo-Pacific. My apologies for the delay in providing you with a substantive response.

Let me begin by recognising that these killings were a tragedy and have undoubtedly caused deep suffering for the families of those who died and the wider community. I also recognise that unhelpful,

incorrect narratives portraying those killed as supporters of the insurgency have compounded the harm caused to survivors and their descendants.

His Majesty’s Government wishes to acknowledge the pain and harm caused by these events. With the passage of time we assess that no new inquiry would have a realistic prospect of reaching definitive conclusions about what happened in 1948. However, the UK deeply regrets the tragic deaths and the pain suffered by many families. We extend our sympathies to all of those affected and the wider community.

Whilst we should never forget or diminish the painful moments in our history, the UK and Malaysia have also made important strides towards building a strong and modern partnership. By continuing to focus on what unites us in a spirit of friendship we are confident that the relationship between our two nations will go from strength to strength.

Thank you again for your letter. I am copying my reply to the British High Commissioner in Malaysia, David Wallace.

Yours ever,

CATHERINE WEST MP

Minister for the Indo-Pacific