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| UK Ambassador to Philippines Controversial | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jul 29 2013, 02:57 PM (714 Views) | |
| Pasta | Jul 29 2013, 02:57 PM Post #1 |
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Chief Engineer
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OK this is early stage information and I promise more details, including a somewhat detailed bio of the incoming Ambassador will be forthcoming. Stephen Lilly, the outgoing UK ambassador to the Philippines was very popular. Not dynamic but he did his job, I suppose. His Hong Kong born Chinese wife added a nice international touch. They were, from what I could gather, particularly responsible funds wise. The Ambassadors residence in Manila is very very nice and large. Acreage surrounding the house (I always wanted to buy them a croquet set but got way laid by other pressing issues of life). The new Ambassador designate has generated some controversy. Again full details to follow. Born in Pakistan or other Muslim nation, with some serious time in Tehran, he ultimately gained British citizenship. And I am told a Muslim. Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against Muslims save and except for the unavoidable fact they support Islam. And adhere to it. The Philippines is not friendly to Islam. Mindanao is the single most problematic province. Why? Oh take a guess. Islam and terrorism and fundamentalism. Also the garb they wear there is so unattractive. The truth is Islam is a problem in the Philippines. Like everywhere else the followers just don't fit in and there is this perception (real or unimagined) they simply don't contribute positively to society. This appointment has caused, from what I gather, a significant uproar amongst the British expat community here. Lots of effort to follow including those generated by wards of the British Consulate. I don't have enough info just yet to comment. |
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| John | Jul 29 2013, 08:07 PM Post #2 |
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Team Boss
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By all accounts he is a British citizen born in London of Bengali parents, and yes he was schooled in Tehran (before the fall of the Shah)... he finished his education back in England graduating from Durham University in 1977. He has been in the diplomatic service for 14 years and was previously British Ambassador to Thailand and Laos. I see nothing to suggest his religion makes him extremist in his views nor does it suggest any cause for alarm. |
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| Pasta | Jul 29 2013, 08:20 PM Post #3 |
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Chief Engineer
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Well done John and thanks. I am a bit surprised at the difference between your account and those from this evening. More than one on the internet checking out his background. I trusted them (one is a ward of the British Consulate here) so I did not do the due diligence myself. Mea culpa. |
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| John | Jul 29 2013, 08:27 PM Post #4 |
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Team Boss
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As with any appointment... the man's history is only part of it... You are right to take an interest in such appointments as they have a more direct bearing on your life (than mine) but he must be judged on his performance in the job... Good luck to him, may he be all that you expect.
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8:57 AM Jul 11