KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian government must formally oppose the nomination of Nick Adams as the next United States ambassador to Malaysia, said Machang MP , Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.
In a strongly worded statement issued today, Wan Fayhsal who is PN’s head of foreign affairs portfolio, expressed concern over the nomination of Adams, an Australian-born conservative commentator with no diplomatic background, describing it as “deeply troubling and unacceptable.”
“While the nomination is still subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, the candidacy of Nick Adams, a far-right political commentator and author with a well-documented record of sexist remarks, extreme pro-Israel positions and no prior diplomatic or State Department experience is deeply troubling and unacceptable,” he said.
The announcement of Adams’ nomination was made by US President Donald Trump on July 10, 2025, as part of a wider list of proposed ambassadors to countries including Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Kazakhstan.
Wan Fayhsal further criticised the timing of the nomination, pointing to a recent move by the Trump administration to impose tariffs specifically targeting Malaysian exports—making Malaysia the only Asean member to be singled out for such economic pressure.
“This nomination must be viewed considering the recent and unprecedented announcement by the Trump administration to raise tariffs specifically on Malaysian exports, making Malaysia the only ASEAN country singled out for such economic pressure,” he said.
“The timing and nature of both decisions suggest a deliberate slight against the Malaysian government and signal a lack of respect for Malaysia’s sovereignty and diplomatic dignity.”
He stressed that Malaysia is under no obligation to accept Adams’ appointment and that the Cabinet should withhold agrément—the formal approval required under Article 4 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).
“Given the clear ideological bias and troubling track record of the nominee, it is incumbent upon the Malaysian Cabinet not to grant the agreement or formal consent required under Article 4 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) for Mr. Adams’ appointment,” Wan Fayhsal said.
“Malaysia, as a sovereign nation, reserves the right to reject any ambassadorial nominee whose presence may be deemed detrimental to bilateral ties or offensive to national values and interests.”
He called on Wisma Putra to immediately issue a diplomatic note of protest to the US Government, warning that inaction would be seen as a failure to defend Malaysia’s dignity.
“We therefore urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra) to immediately issue a diplomatic note of protest to the U.S. Government, clearly articulating Malaysia’s objection to this nomination,” he said.
“Failure to act decisively will reflect poorly on the MADANI administration’s commitment to safeguarding Malaysia’s honour and foreign policy independence.”
“Malaysia must not remain silent in the face of such disrespect. The dignity of our nation must be upheld.”
Adams, an Australian-born conservative commentator, is widely known for his provocative social media posts and pro-Trump views. He is also the founder of the Foundation for Liberty and American Greatness (FLAG), a non-profit promoting conservative civics in U.S. schools.
Earlier this week, Former foreign minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah said while political appointments are not uncommon, they must come with a solid understanding of diplomatic practice.
“Maybe at one time – out of more than 100 ambassadors – maybe about five (of them are non-diplomats), but I don’t think we ever had more than 10,” he said. Saifuddin, who is also the MP for Indera Mahkota, stressed the importance of institutional memory and diplomatic training in navigating complex foreign policy challenges.
He explained that Malaysia may decline such a nomination without a formal rejection by simply delaying the agrément process.
“There is no specific way of saying no to a nominated ambassador from a friendly country,” he said.
Former ambassador to the United States Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz echoed these concerns, telling Scoop the nomination highlights Trump’s preference for loyalty over competence.
Nazri also pointed out the importance of having envoys who can defend Malaysia’s independent foreign policy, especially in Washington. “We (envoys) should not be saying all the time we will convey your message to Kuala Lumpur – that is not good enough,” he said, recalling his own experiences defending Malaysia’s pro-Palestinian stance and engagements with Russia and China. – July 14, 2025