Malaysia deserves better – role of Ambassador is critical in being a bridge between nations, the continuity of programmes and projects, of upholding universal values of diplomacy, principles, international law and human rights.
I refer to the recent announcement of President Donald Trump in appointing his hardcore supporter Nick Adams to be the Ambassador of the United States of America to Malaysia which has stirred more controversy than conversation.
It is known now that Nick Adams, self proclaimed ‘Alpha Male’ and influencer, was an Australian who became American through naturalisation and now on the way to become the American representative to Malaysia. Apart from his perverse interest in “Hooters” an American chain-restaurant, it is disturbing to read his tweet saying “he is pursued by copious amounts of women” and on his extreme and conservative views including Islamophobia.
This statement of no class particularly in belittling, disrespecting and underestimating women has no place in any society, let alone as a top official representative of his Government.
The role and functions of an Ambassador or High Commissioner includes being the highest-ranking official representing his or her country in another. An Ambassador shapes foreign policy, facilitates interactions, attends meetings and cultural events and is kept in the loop of latest developments in the country he or she is residing in and in their own. An Ambassador serves as the official spokesperson of the Government, partaking in the negotiations of treaties, as a primary focal point to their citizens abroad, as a direct link between the country they are in and the Government they are serving in which they speak on behalf of the Government. Ambassadors require diplomatic skills, leadership abilities, cultural sensitivity and an acute sense of wisdom and discernment to navigate through many political waters to create an impact and also legacy to be filled by his or her successors. An Ambassador’s service or disservice is a litmus test on not just the sustainability of diplomatic ties between nations but the continuity of relationships, friendships and camaraderie between all actors in the structure of the foreign office. These attributes are clearly outlined on www.pathtoforeignservice.com which is a preparatory website to serve in the US Government as a Foreign Service Officer (FSO).
How many of these criteria has Nick Adams fulfilled? What are his views on foreign policies and diplomacy? What is his opinion on multilateralism, human rights, gender and migrant issues? What is his stand on crimes against humanity, religion and social cohesion?
Does Nick Adams, who became an American citizen only in 2021, merely 4 years ago, and a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, has what it takes to not only be the eyes and ears of his Government but also as a bridge between our two nations, notably in this turbulent time between trade agreements, human rights as well as peace and security?
Will Nick Adams courageously carry out his duties without fear or favour as the Ambassador of the US representing the multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-religious people of America?
Unfortunately, credentials of Nick Adams that boasts of Islamophobia and of him gloating on social media urging men to boycott a candy company that was promoting and celebrating women everywhere who are challenging the status quo shows archaic, shallow-thinking that is full of chest-thumping bravado but clearly lacks substance nor diplomacy. This kind of sexism, misogyny and religious bigotry is not accepted in Malaysia nor anywhere else in the world.
In some Parliaments and National Assemblies, the appointment of an Ambassador goes through a Select Committee and in the example of Brazil, through the Senate’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Commission, aligning it with its foreign policy and subject to oversight. In Malaysia too, when the name of a certain politician was proposed as envoy to Indonesia, Malaysians expressed their strong opposition to it which Putrajaya promptly dropped.
In Malaysia, lawmakers and civil society, foundations and business folks as well as political parties and representatives from other countries have formed a robust, vibrant, dynamic and spirited intersectional relationship with embassies and Ambassadors to discuss progressive policies that are in line with human rights, democracy, freedom, equality, justice and reform which are cornerstones of good governance in this time and age of a bi-polar and fragmented world. This has led to many positive interactions and reform within the ambit of bilateral relations and cultural exchange.
Malaysia and America have gained from trade talks, cultural exchanges, education, healthcare, defence, AI, human resources, climate justice, human rights, best practices according to international standards, the United Nations and also creating a healthy platform to see the exchange of women and youths in politics through training, leadership and capacity building programmes. This healthy alliance and bond must be preserved for more conversations, dialogues and discussions how both nations can pursue its own interests and also inspire the other to walk in the footsteps to reform, rebuild and transform for the better.
Malaysia deserves better than Nick Adams as an Ambassador of the United States of America, moreover with Malaysia as Chair of ASEAN for this term and the United States as a Comprehensive Strategic Partner. I urge President Donald Trump to graciously accept the strong opinions of Malaysians on not appointing Nick Adams as US Ambassador to Malaysia.
Kasthuri Patto
DAP Central Executive Committee Member
DAP Secretary for International Affairs
DAP Vice Chair for the Women’s Wing
