Malaysia deserves better than Nick Adams

FMT:

Malaysia deserves better than Nick Adams


US president Donald Trump is urged to accept the strong opinions of Malaysians on not appointing Nick Adams as the US ambassador to Malaysia

From Kasthuri Patto

Malaysia deserves better – the role of ambassador is critical to being a bridge between nations, the continuity of programmes and projects, and upholding the universal values of diplomacy, principles, international law, and human rights.


I refer to the recent announcement of US president Donald Trump, nominating his hardcore supporter Nick Adams as the US ambassador to Malaysia, which has stirred more controversy than conversation.

It is known now that Adams, a self-proclaimed “alpha male” and influencer, was an Australian who became American through naturalisation and is now on the way to becoming the American representative to Malaysia. Apart from his perverse interest in Hooters, an American chain-restaurant, his tweet saying “he is pursued by copious amounts of women” and his extreme and conservative views, including Islamophobia, are disturbing.


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 include being the highest-ranking official representing his or her country in another.

Ambassadors shape foreign policy, facilitate interactions, attend meetings and cultural events, and are kept in the loop on the latest developments in the country in which they reside as well as their own.

Ambassadors serve as the official spokesperson of their government, partaking in the negotiations of treaties, as a primary focal point to their citizens abroad, and as a direct link between the country they are in and the government they are serving in, which they speak on behalf of.


Ambassadors require diplomatic skills, leadership abilities, cultural sensitivity and an acute sense of wisdom and discernment to navigate political waters to create an impact and legacy to be filled by their successors.

An ambassador’s service or disservice is a litmus test, not just of 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, a preparatory website for serving in the US government as a foreign service officer.

How many of these criteria has 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 Adams, who became an American citizen just four years ago in 2021 and who is a staunch supporter of Trump, have what it takes to be not only the eyes and ears of his government, but also a bridge between our two nations, notably in this turbulent time between trade agreements, human rights as well as peace and security?


Will Adams courageously carry out his duties without fear or favour as the ambassador of the US representing the multicultural, multilingual, multi-religious people of America?

Unfortunately, the credentials of Adams which boast of Islamophobia and of him gloating on social media urging men to boycott a candy company promoting and celebrating women who are challenging the status quo show an archaic, shallow thinking that is full of chest-thumping bravado but clearly lacks substance and diplomacy. This kind of sexism, misogyny and religious bigotry is not accepted in Malaysia or anywhere else in the world.

In some parliaments and national assemblies, the appointment of an ambassador goes through a select committee. In Brazil, for example, it goes through the senate’s foreign affairs and national defense commission, aligning it with foreign policy and making it subject to oversight.

In Malaysia, when the name of a certain politician was proposed as envoy to Indonesia, Malaysians expressed their strong opposition to it and it was promptly dropped by Putrajaya.

In Malaysia, lawmakers and civil society, foundations and business folk as well as political parties and representatives from other countries have formed a robust, vibrant, dynamic and spirited intersectional relationship with embassies and ambassadors.

They discuss progressive policies that are in line with human rights, democracy, freedom, equality, justice and reform – the cornerstones of good governance in this time and age of a bipolar and fragmented world. This has led to many positive interactions and reforms within the ambit of bilateral relations and cultural exchange.

Malaysia and America have gained from trade talks, cultural exchanges, education, healthcare, defence, artificial intelligence, human resources, climate justice, human rights, best practices according to international standards, the United Nations, and the creation of a healthy platform to see the exchange of women and youth in politics through training, leadership and capacity-building programmes.

This healthy alliance and bond must be preserved for more conversations, dialogues and discussions on how both nations can pursue their own interests and also inspire the other to walk in the footsteps of reform, to rebuild and transform for the better.

Malaysia deserves better than Adams as an ambassador of the US, more so with Malaysia as chair of Asean for this term and the US as a comprehensive strategic partner.

I urge US president Donald Trump to graciously accept the strong opinions of Malaysians on not appointing Adams as the US ambassador to Malaysia.



Kasthuri Patto is a DAP central executive committee member, secretary of the party’s international affairs bureau, and a former MP.