US 'alpha male' envoy pick: Adams vows to spread Trump's goodwill

Summary

• Nick Adams, Trump’s controversial choice for US ambassador to Malaysia, pledged in an Instagram video to spread his president’s goodwill to Malaysians and experience their “noble culture”.

• Several Malaysian political figures and organisations are calling for Adams to be rejected, citing his “extremist” ideologies and divisive rhetoric as incompatible with Malaysia’s pluralist values.

Nick Adams, US President Donald Trump’s controversial choice for the country’s ambassador to Malaysia, has pledged to spread Trump’s goodwill to Malaysians.

In a video posted on Instagram last week, Adams said he was also excited to experience Malaysian culture.

“It is nothing short of a lifetime honour to take the president’s goodwill and spread it to the great people of Malaysia. It is, Mr President, my honour to represent you and serve our nation before King Ibrahim Iskandar and his people.

“To His Majesty, I look forward to working with your government to strengthen ties between our friendly peoples.

“To the men and women throughout Malaysia, I can’t wait to experience your noble culture and learn much from you,” he said.

Adams said he is also looking forward to his confirmation process before the 22-member US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Adams, a pro-Zionist, is already facing rejection calls from several quarters here, ahead of his confirmation hearing.

In a statement today, PKR Youth’s international relations bureau head Arief Izuadin said Adams’ background is associated with extremist ideologies and divisive rhetoric, which stands in stark contrast to the values upheld by the Malaysian government and its people, namely pluralism, tolerance, and humanitarian solidarity.

“As a sovereign nation, Malaysia reserves the right under Article 4 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to express reservations or reject any diplomatic appointment deemed inconsistent with its foreign policy or domestic sensitivities.

“Such a rejection should not be misconstrued as hostility, but rather seen as a necessary measure to safeguard the integrity of bilateral relations and ensure that diplomatic envoys can contribute constructively, in a manner aligned with the shared aspirations of both nations,” Arief added.

In another statement, Amanah’s international bureau chairperson, Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad Baharuddin Ismail Shah, said Adams might “inflame further the anger of Malaysians”.

Raja Kamarul said that at a time when the world is witnessing the US’ continued reluctance to restrain Israel’s increasingly brutal campaign in Gaza, sending an inexperienced non-career diplomat with controversial background risks diplomatic disaster.

Earlier, pro-Palestine organisations and the Malaysian Youth Council also argued against allowing Adams to become the US envoy to Malaysia over the threat to harmony and the country’s reputation.

On July 11, 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.

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

If Adams is confirmed by the US Senate, Malaysia’s rejection of him may have major consequences and risks angering Trump.

Malaysia is one of many being targeted by Trump in his tariff wars.

Last week, Trump raised tariffs on Malaysia to 25 percent from 24 percent.

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