Pro-Palestine group urges govt to reject Adams as US ambassador

Putrajaya has been urged to use its sovereign right to reject pro-Israel Nick Adams if his name is proposed as the next US ambassador to Malaysia.

In a statement, a group of 20 pro-Palestine organisations pointed out Adams' (above) history of controversial public statements and misogynistic views, which they said could harm Malaysia's harmony.

"His past comments on race, religion, and international relations risk undermining the strong bilateral ties between Malaysia and the United States, as well as causing unnecessary friction within our diverse society.

"For example, he once boasted through a tweet that he had a waitress fired from her job simply because she was wearing a ‘Free Palestine’ pin on her blouse.

"He has misogynistic views and brags that he likes to visit a particular chain of restaurants, which has servers wearing skimpy tops,” they said.

The group expressed concerns about what it would mean to the country’s image if such an envoy is accepted.

“Malaysia has long upheld principles of mutual respect and constructive diplomacy.

“Accepting an ambassador with a record of extremism and polarising views could harm Malaysia’s reputation as a peaceful, inclusive nation and disrupt the positive relationship between our two countries," they added.

Among the organisations that signed the statement are BDS Malaysia, the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement, Viva Palestina Malaysia, Muslim Care Malaysia, Global Peace Mission Malaysia, MyCare, Ikram, Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations, and Persatuan Cinta Gaza Malaysia.

‘Alpha male’ Adams

The group referred to Article 4 of the Vienna Convention, which states that a receiving country's formal agreement is required before another country can send an ambassador candidate there.

Adding further, the group said Malaysia deserves a US ambassador who "embodies professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to fostering strong international partnerships".

On July 11, US President Donald Trump nominated Adams - an Australian-American influencer, author, and self-described “alpha male” - as the next US ambassador to Malaysia.

The 40-year-old would be replacing Edgard Kagan, a career diplomat who was nominated by former president Joe Biden in May 2023.

Adams is infamous for his posts promoting a personal image based on "stereotypical symbols of masculinity", as well as making Islamophobic remarks.

Incompatible with M’sia’s principles

In a separate statement, the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) also called for the government to reject Adam’s nomination.

Beyond the controversy surrounding his public persona, the council said that Adams has consistently propagated provocative and divisive rhetoric that vilifies international calls for justice.

“Adams has also made public statements that are widely regarded as anti-Palestinian and openly supportive of acts of aggression that many in the international community have characterised as war crimes and genocide.

“Such views are not only morally indefensible but also risk normalising violence against civilians and undermining the shared global principles of justice, peace, and humanity.”

Adams' views, MBM said, are incompatible with Malaysia’s principles.

“Such rhetoric, if allowed to shape diplomatic engagement, threatens to damage mutual trust and public goodwill, both of which are essential to international cooperation and national unity.

“Malaysia’s foreign policy has always stood firmly in defence of human dignity, the rule of law, and multilateralism. Adams’s statements, including those that ridicule or distort the pursuit of these principles, are not in line with the values we uphold and are unsuitable for an official envoy to our country,” it added.

Previously, public figures had also voiced their objections to Adams’ nomination, including former minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.

Wan Fayhsal questions timing of US ambassador’s replacement

International law empowers Wisma Putra to reject 'Zionist' Adams - KJ

Amanah Youth urges Putrajaya to block Trump ally as US envoy

Trump nominates 'Alpha male' influencer as ambassador to M'sia