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The Guardian
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘An insult': Malaysians slam nomination of ‘alpha-male' Nick Adams as US ambassador
Former government ministers and youth politicians in Muslim-majority Malaysia have slammed a decision to nominate right-wing influencer Nick Adams as US ambassador to the country, calling it an insult to the nation. Donald Trump announced last week that Nick Adams, a self-proclaimed 'alpha male', had been announced as ambassador to Malaysia, praising him as a 'incredible patriot'. However, Adam's past online comments and his support for Israel, have prompted calls for the Malaysian government to reject his appointment. Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin have both urged the government to oppose his posting. Malaysia 'should not be treated as a dumping ground for ideological firebrands and partisan influencers,' Zaid said, adding that Adams' nomination 'would not be a gesture of goodwill-it would be an insult.' Transport minister Anthony Loke, who is the secretary-general of DAP, a member of the national unity government, will also oppose Adams' appointment, according to local media, which reported his party planned to issue a statement on the matter. Adams, 40, who was born in Australia but obtained US citizenship in 2021, will need to be confirmed by the US Senate before he can assume the role. He said on social media last week it was 'nothing short of a lifetime's honour to take the president's goodwill and spread it to the great people of Malaysia'. He looked forward to strengthening ties between the two countries, he said, telling Malaysians he could not wait 'to experience your noble culture and learn much from you'. Adams' comments about Israel have provoked particular concern in Malaysia, a staunch supporter of Palestine, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. In a post shared on X in 2024, Adams stated: 'If you don't stand with Israel, you stand with terrorists!' Another comment allegedly written by Adams on X in 2024, in which he claimed to have ensured a waitress was fired for wearing a 'Free Palestine' pin, has been widely cited by pro-Palestine groups and youth leaders opposing his appointment. The post cannot be found on X. A youth leader with the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Sukri Omar, said the Malaysian government should 'send a clear message that Malaysia will not be a stage for normalising Zionist tyranny …' Adams, and the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur, did not respond to a request for comment regarding the cited post, or criticism over his appointment. Dr Bridget Welsh, a political analyst specialising in South-east Asia, said Adams' nomination reflected a lack of understanding of the importance of Malaysia, and the wider region, to the US. 'There is no real recognition and deep appreciation about how critical a role Malaysia plays in the US economy, and the critical importance of these ties for issues of security,' she said. Decisions such as Adams' nomination risked 'pushing everyone [in Southeast Asia] into the arms of China,' she said, adding this was counterproductive for those in the Maga movement who perceive Beijing as a threat. Political relations between Malaysia and the US have become strained over recent years – due to the Israel's war in Gaza, US-China competition, and Trump's threat to impose a 25% tariff on Malaysia. 'Anti-Amercianism is running very deep on the issues of Gaza, on issues associated with Iran, among large sections of the population – not everybody, but many … Will [Adams] be diplomatic? His Twitter [X] account raises questions,' said Welsh.
The Guardian
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘An insult': Malaysians slam nomination of ‘alpha-male' Nick Adams as US ambassador
Former government ministers and Islamic youth politicians in Muslim-majority Malaysia have slammed a decision to nominate right-wing influencer Nick Adams as US ambassador to the country, calling it an insult to the nation. Donald Trump announced last week that Nick Adams, a self-proclaimed 'alpha male', had been announced as ambassador to Malaysia, praising him as a 'incredible patriot'. However, Adam's past online comments and his support for Israel, have prompted calls for the Malaysian government to reject his appointment. Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin have both urged the government to oppose his posting. Malaysia 'should not be treated as a dumping ground for ideological firebrands and partisan influencers,' Zaid said, adding that Adams' nomination 'would not be a gesture of goodwill-it would be an insult.' Transport minister Anthony Loke, who is the secretary-general of DAP, a member of the national unity government, will also oppose Adams' appointment, according to local media, which reported his party planned to issue a statement on the matter. Adams, 40, who was born in Australia but obtained US citizenship in 2021, will need to be confirmed by the US Senate before he can assume the role. He said on social media last week it was 'nothing short of a lifetime's honour to take the president's goodwill and spread it to the great people of Malaysia'. He looked forward to strengthening ties between the two countries, he said, telling Malaysians he could not wait 'to experience your noble culture and learn much from you'. Adams' comments about Israel have provoked particular concern in Malaysia, a staunch supporter of Palestine, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. In a post shared on X in 2024, Adams stated: 'If you don't stand with Israel, you stand with terrorists!' Another comment allegedly written by Adams on X in 2024, in which he claimed to have ensured a waitress was fired for wearing a 'Free Palestine' pin, has been widely cited by pro-Palestine groups and youth leaders opposing his appointment. The post cannot be found on X. A youth leader with the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Sukri Omar, said the Malaysian government should 'send a clear message that Malaysia will not be a stage for normalising Zionist tyranny…' Adams, and the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur, did not respond to a request for comment regarding the cited post, or criticism over his appointment. Dr Bridget Welsh, a political analyst specialising in South-east Asia, said Adams' nomination reflected a lack of understanding of the importance of Malaysia, and the wider region, to the US. 'There is no real recognition and deep appreciation about how critical a role Malaysia plays in the US economy, and the critical importance of these ties for issues of security,' she said. Decisions such as Adams' nomination risked 'pushing everyone [in Southeast Asia] into the arms of China,' she said, adding this was counterproductive for those in the Maga movement who perceive Beijing as a threat. Political relations between Malaysia and the US have become strained over recent years – due to the Israel's war in Gaza, US-China competition, and Trump's threat to impose a 25% tariff on Malaysia. 'Anti-Amercianism is running very deep on the issues of Gaza, on issues associated with Iran, among large sections of the population – not everybody, but many … Will [Adams] be diplomatic? His Twitter [X] account raises questions,' said Welsh.
Malaysiakini
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Zaid decodes PAS: 'They want Hamzah, not Muhyiddin as PM'
Reading between the lines of PAS vice-president Amar Abdullah's remarks, former law minister Zaid Ibrahim believes the Islamist party is backing Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainuddin over his superior Muhyiddin Yassin as its preferred prime minister candidate for the next general election. He told Malaysiakini this when asked to elaborate on his post on X titled 'PAS' magnanimity, Bersatu's moment of truth'.
Free Malaysia Today
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
New CJ only after next Rulers' Conference, says Azalina
The constitution must be amended if the Judicial Appointments Commission's recommendations are to be made legally binding, said Azalina Othman Said. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : The appointment of a new chief justice to head the judiciary will be decided only after the next Conference of Rulers scheduled for July 15-17, according to the minister for law and institutional reform, Azalina Othman Said. Azalina said recommendations by the Judicial Appointments Commission on the appointment of new judges are not binding, Bernama reported. However, her assertion was disputed this evening by former law minister Zaid Ibrahim who said the prime minister is bound to forward the commission's recommendations. Azalina, speaking to reporters in Pengerang, Johor, said the commission's role under current law is to screen, evaluate and recommend candidates for appointment as judges. 'The commission's recommendations are 'not a final step in the appointment process. It only recommends names, and these recommendations are not binding'. The commission's recommendations are made to the prime minister. Under the constitution, appointment of judges on the Federal Court, Court of Appeal and the High Courts are made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the prime minister, and after consulting the Conference of Rulers. Azalina said the constitution would need to be amended if the commission's role is to be made legally binding. She cited a previous explanation by former law minister Nazri Aziz, who had stated in Parliament that the commission is an administrative provision without binding legal effect. The minister's comments come amid criticism over delays in the appointment of senior judges following the retirement of the chief justice and president of the Court of Appeal, and impending vacancies in the superior courts. The Malaysian Bar has planned a protest march tomorrow. Azalina said it is within their democratic right, as long as it is carried out professionally and within the boundaries of the law. 'If they want to march, that is their right. As lawyers, I believe most of them are professionals who understand the constitution and the JAC Act,' she said. Zaid calls for clarity Zaid, in a Facebook posting, said the law requires the prime minister to forward the names recommended by the commission to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. 'This duty is not optional. If the PM refuses to do so, he is in breach of the law; plain and simple,' he wrote. 'To now pretend that the law doesn't bind them, while quietly ignoring or defying its provisions, is to mock the very idea of the rule of law.' He called for clarity and not vague statements that 'only serve to confuse and deceive the public'. Zaid said: 'The people deserve clarity, not confusion — and certainly not a government that treats the law as optional.' (Under the Judicial Appointments Commission Act, the prime minister may ask for two more names to be submitted for consideration, and where he has accepted any of the names, he may proceed to advise the king, as required by the constitution.)
Focus Malaysia
10-07-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Contrasting fate: Zaid berates MACC's double standards of charging Muhyiddin but not Ismail Sabri
FORMER e facto law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has taken a swipe at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for only forfeiting over RM169 mil in cash belonging to Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob but unwilling to charge Malaysia's ninth premier in court with any criminal offence. On the contrary, Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin faces four charges under the MACC Act 2009 and two under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA) involving a total of RM200 mil, including RM195 mil allegedly transferred into the party's account held with CIMB Islamic Bank. Additionally, Muhyiddin, 78, was charged in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court with abusing his power as prime minister in connection with the Jana Wibawa programme by seeking to obtain RM232 mil for Bersatu in 2021. 'MACC has seized RM169 mil in cash, RM1.5 mil in gold and frozen 43 bank accounts, all of which are linked to Ismail Sabri's former senior private secretary and possibly himself but no charges were made,' the opposition-slant UMNO member penned on X. Muhyiddin: RM232 million allegedly flowed into Bersatu accounts. He was charged under abuse of power and AMLA Ismail Sabri: MACC seized RM169 million in cash, RM1.5 million in gold, and frozen 43 bank accounts; all linked to his former senior private secretary and possibly… — Zaid Ibrahim (@zaidibrahim) July 8, 2025 'It defies logic that the one with physical money recovered isn't charged while the other is.' Recall that on Monday (July 7), the anti-graft agency had filed an application to forfeit over RM169 mil in cash belonging to Ismail Sabri The application was filed at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Monday (July 7) by the deputy public prosecutor who named Ismail Sabri's former political secretary Datuk Mohammad Anuar Mohd Yunus and the Bera MP as first and second respondents. 'Ismail Sabri not critical of Madani gov't' Additionally, the former premier with the shortest stint of 14 months were also subject to a series of questioning between March and June 25 when MACC head honcho Tan Sri Azam Baki revealed that the probe into the corruption and money laundering allegations linked to the former has been completed. Following this, Azam had contended that the investigation papers had been submitted to the deputy public prosecutor's office for further action. On this note, Zaid argued that 'MACC has the power to go for civil forfeiture or to go for a criminal conviction' but that power has to be exercised properly and with good reason. 'MACC's excuse of no criminal element found (in Ismail Sabri's case) is vague and unconvincing. In fact, the MACC chief (commissioner Tan Sti Azam Bali) claimed there were only 'governance issues' in Ismail Sabri's case. Really?' asked the former defence counsel of now incarcerated Datuk Seri Najib Razak. 'So when MACC want to charge someone, they say possible corruption and abuse of power but if not, its governance issue. 'But money doesn't appear magically in bags and safes. If MACC believes the money is linked to corruption, then someone committed a crime. If not Ismail Sabri, then who? And why hasn't anyone been charged?' In essence, Zaid described the entire episode as rooted in political alignment of Muhyiddin and Ismail Sabri. It smells of political convenience. Ismail Sabri, though no longer in power, is supportive of Madani and has not criticised PMX Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In fact, he has maintained silence on Madani policies. Muhyiddin is a direct political opponent and leads the opposition bloc. This creates the perception that if you're friendly with the regime, you get a civil forfeiture. If you're not, you get charged in court. The rule of law demands equal treatment. Justice cannot be 'pick and choose.' If the authorities believe Muhyiddin's conduct merited criminal charges, they must apply the same threshold to Ismail Sabri – or explain clearly why not. This is not just a legal inconsistency. It's a moral failure of the justice system under the Madani administration. – July 10, 2025
