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Malaysia: Protest outside US embassy over appointment of ‘alpha male' as ambassador
Malaysian protesters display placards during a demonstration against the US envoy nominee Nick Adams outside the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur. AFP
On Friday, dozens of people gathered outside the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur to oppose the proposed nomination of Nick Adams, a self-described 'alpha male' influencer, as the US envoy to Malaysia.
Last week, President Donald Trump chose outspoken author and political commentator Adams as the White House's pick for ambassador to Malaysia.
Adams, a naturalised US citizen originally from Australia, has developed a macho social media image, employing macho, 'alpha male' branding to comment on cultural themes and appeal to a primarily young male audience.
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His postings fiercely condemning Islam and supporting Israel's military war in Gaza, however, have enraged Muslims in Malaysia, sparking a rare protest against a foreign diplomatic appointment in the Southeast Asian country.
The outrage comes at a critical moment for Malaysia, which has until August 1 to secure a trade agreement with Washington or face a 25% tax on its exports to the US.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told reporters on Friday that it was too early in the process to decide on Adams' appointment, but that his administration will give it careful consideration.
'At the same time, we will seek to protect the good relations between Malaysia and the United States,' Anwar said, according to a recording of his remarks provided by his office to Reuters.
Protesters chanted 'Reject Nick Adams' and 'Destroy America' and held up posters depicting Adams with a red cross over his face.
Other placards read: 'No space for racists and Islamophobes in Malaysia.'
The protestors, organised by the youth wings of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Harapan (Alliance of Hope) coalition, submitted a memorandum to the embassy near the centre of Kuala Lumpur.
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The memorandum cited 'divisive rhetoric' used by Adams, and characterised his postings as insensitive towards Malaysia's multi-cultural society.
They urged the US government to withdraw Adams's nomination and 'consider a candidate who is more professional, moderate, and attuned to the importance of Southeast Asia's regional stability'.
Malaysia, which has a majority of mostly Muslim ethnic Malays alongside significant ethnic Chinese and ethnic Indian minorities, has long been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause.
'An ambassador's task is to be the bridge between two countries and we don't want that person to be someone who destroys that bridge instead,' said Muhammad Izuan Ahmad Kasim, a member of Anwar's People's Justice Party.
The embassy and Adams' office did not respond to requests for comment.
The protestors also called on Malaysia's government to exercise its right under international norms to reject Adams' proposed appointment.
Under the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, host countries have discretion to accept or reject ambassadorial appointments without having to provide a reason.
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Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil said on Tuesday the cabinet had not yet received any formal notice of Adams' appointment to Malaysia.
Adams' nomination has not yet been approved, but he is widely expected to be confirmed by the Republican-held US Senate.
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