Dozens of protesters gathered outside the U.S. embassy in Kuala Lumpur on Friday to voice opposition to President Donald Trump’s nomination of conservative influencer Nick Adams as the next U.S. ambassador to Malaysia.
Adams, a naturalized American originally from Australia, is known for his brash “alpha male” persona and provocative social media commentary. His harsh criticism of Islam and outspoken support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza have drawn widespread condemnation in Muslim-majority Malaysia, igniting a rare protest over a foreign diplomatic appointment.
The demonstrators, led by youth leaders from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling coalition, submitted a formal memorandum to the embassy urging the U.S. government to reconsider the nomination. The memo cited Adams’ “divisive rhetoric” and deemed his views incompatible with Malaysia’s multicultural and multireligious society.
“An ambassador should be a bridge between nations, not a figure who threatens to destroy that bridge,” said Muhammad Izuan Ahmad Kasim, a youth member of Anwar’s People’s Justice Party.
Adams’ nomination comes at a sensitive time, as Malaysia faces an August 1 deadline to finalize a key trade deal with Washington or risk a 25% tariff on its exports to the United States.
Prime Minister Anwar responded cautiously to the growing controversy. “It is still too early to decide on the appointment,” he told reporters, adding that Malaysia would “seek to protect the good relations” with the United States while giving the matter proper consideration.
The U.S. embassy and Adams’ office have not commented on the backlash. Malaysia’s government, meanwhile, has yet to receive an official notification of Adams’ posting, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Malaysia holds the right to accept or reject any ambassadorial appointment without explanation.
Though not yet confirmed, Adams is expected to be approved by the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate.
Written By Rodney Mbua
