4 days ago
Controversial US envoy pick faces united backlash
PETALING JAYA: More voices are urging the Malaysian government to reject the appointment of American conservative figure Nick Adams (pic) as the US Ambassador to Malaysia.
PKR Youth International Relations Bureau's Arief Izuadin said Adams' appointment is viewed with deep concern as his background is closely associated with extremist ideologies and divisive rhetoric, which contrast starkly with the values upheld by Malaysia's government and people.
'Such a rejection should not be misconstrued as hostility but rather seen as a necessary measure to safeguard the integrity of bilateral relations and ensure that diplomatic envoys can contribute constructively, in a manner aligned with the shared aspirations of both nations,' he said in a statement yesterday.
He added that PKR Youth intends to submit a formal memorandum of protest to the United States Embassy urging the appointment of a more moderate, respected and globally-minded individual, who will embody the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation that has long underpinned US-Malaysia relations.
Similarly, Selangor PAS Youth Chief Mohamed Sukri Omar said in a separate statement that the government, through Wisma Putra, should take a firm and clear stance against Adams' appointment to protect the sensitivities of Malaysians.
He added that the government should uphold the dignity of a nation that consistently advocates for humanitarian issues, especially regarding Palestine.
'Nick Adams is not just a controversial figure. He openly spreads hatred towards Islam and supports the Zionist colonial regime without consideration.
'He once pressured a restaurant in the United States to fire a waitress simply for wearing a 'Free Palestine' pin. This is an inhumane act that demonstrates extreme and hateful attitudes towards the oppressed Palestinian people's struggle,' he said in a statement yesterday.
He emphasised that Malaysia does not need a diplomatic representative who brings extremist and pro-Zionist ideologies, as it is a majority-Muslim country that upholds the principles of justice and solidarity with oppressed people.
'This appointment is an insult to the sensitivities of Malaysians. If the government remains silent or accepts this appointment, it will be seen as betraying the people's firm stance in supporting the Palestinian cause,' he said.
Mohamed Sukri said Malaysia has the absolute right under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to reject any ambassadorial candidate deemed unsuitable or harmful to domestic harmony.
He added that firm action is needed to defend the nation's image and stance and to reject any efforts to spread extremist pro-Zionist ideologies in the country.
On Sunday, Amanah Youth international bureau chairman Mus'ab Muzahar said Adams' appointment is an insult to the country's dignity and foreign policy.
'Nick Adams is not a diplomat or a statesman. He is merely a far-right propagandist, a staunch Trump supporter and a vocal supporter of the Zionist Israeli regime.
'His rhetoric on social media is full of hatred, racism and Islamophobic sentiments, clearly deviating from the spirit of mature bilateral relations,' he said in a Facebook post.