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Former government ministers and youth politicians in Muslim-majority Malaysia have slammed a decision to nominate right-wing influencer Nick Adams as US ambassador to the country, calling it an insult to the nation.
Donald Trump announced last week that Nick Adams, a self-proclaimed “alpha male”, had been announced as ambassador to Malaysia, praising him as a “incredible patriot”.
However, Adam’s past online comments and his support for Israel, have prompted calls for the Malaysian government to reject his appointment.
Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin have both urged the government to oppose his posting. Malaysia “should not be treated as a dumping ground for ideological firebrands and partisan influencers,” Zaid said, adding that Adams’ nomination “would not be a gesture of goodwill-it would be an insult.”
Transport minister Anthony Loke, who is the secretary-general of DAP, a member of the national unity government, will also oppose Adams’ appointment, according to local media, which reported his party planned to issue a statement on the matter.
Adams, 40, who was born in Australia but obtained US citizenship in 2021, will need to be confirmed by the US Senate before he can assume the role. He said on social media last week it was “nothing short of a lifetime’s honour to take the president’s goodwill and spread it to the great people of Malaysia”.
He looked forward to strengthening ties between the two countries, he said, telling Malaysians he could not wait “to experience your noble culture and learn much from you”.
Adams’ comments about Israel have provoked particular concern in Malaysia, a staunch supporter of Palestine, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.
In a post shared on X in 2024, Adams stated: “If you don’t stand with Israel, you stand with terrorists!”
Another comment allegedly written by Adams on X in 2024, in which he claimed to have ensured a waitress was fired for wearing a “Free Palestine” pin, has been widely cited by pro-Palestine groups and youth leaders opposing his appointment. The post cannot be found on X.
A youth leader with the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Sukri Omar, said the Malaysian government should “send a clear message that Malaysia will not be a stage for normalising Zionist tyranny …”
Adams, and the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur, did not respond to a request for comment regarding the cited post, or criticism over his appointment.
Dr Bridget Welsh, a political analyst specialising in South-east Asia, said Adams’ nomination reflected a lack of understanding of the importance of Malaysia, and the wider region, to the US. “There is no real recognition and deep appreciation about how critical a role Malaysia plays in the US economy, and the critical importance of these ties for issues of security,” she said.
Decisions such as Adams’ nomination risked “pushing everyone [in Southeast Asia] into the arms of China,” she said, adding this was counterproductive for those in the Maga movement who perceive Beijing as a threat.
Political relations between Malaysia and the US have become strained over recent years – due to the Israel’s war in Gaza, US-China competition, and Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on Malaysia.
“Anti-Amercianism is running very deep on the issues of Gaza, on issues associated with Iran, among large sections of the population – not everybody, but many … Will [Adams] be diplomatic? His Twitter [X] account raises questions,” said Welsh.
