HSBC Executive and Former UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Faces Backlash Over Alleged Racist Remarks on Arabic Mind
Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, a high-ranking executive at HSBC and former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, has found himself embroiled in a racism controversy after allegedly making derogatory remarks about the Arabic language during a speech at the University of Oxford. According to sources who relayed his comments to The Mail on Sunday, Sir Sherard stated that he wished he had learned Chinese instead of Arabic because “the Arabic mind is empty compared to the Chinese.” These alleged comments have been widely condemned as racist and insulting.
Prominent Arab commentator Abdel Bari Atwan described Sir Sherard’s remarks as humiliating and unacceptable. In response to the backlash, Sir Sherard issued a statement claiming that his comments were taken out of context and were made in a personal capacity at a private event aimed at enhancing understanding of China. He emphasized that these views did not reflect those of HSBC or the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC), where he serves as chairman.
This incident follows recent apologies from Sir Sherard for separate remarks made during another closed-door event in London earlier this year. On that occasion, he criticized Britain for being “weak” in its approach towards Beijing by acquiescing to US demands.
The latest controversial comments reportedly occurred during an informal speech given by Sir Sherard while welcoming students attending an event hosted by the Great Britain-China Centre. It appears that he made jokes about choosing to learn Arabic due to its relevance in global affairs but expressed regret for not learning Chinese instead.
While some attendees recalled his statements as light-hearted comparisons between different cultures, others found them offensive. Furthermore, individuals present claim that Sir Sherard also criticized Lord Patten of Barnes, Chancellor of the University of Oxford and former governor of Hong Kong, suggesting Patten knew nothing about China.
HSBC declined to comment on this matter.
