KUALA LUMPUR – Former Malaysian diplomats say President Donald Trump’s nomination of 'Make America Great Again' (Maga) influencer and self-styled “alpha male” Nick Adams as US ambassador reflects political loyalty as a key priority.
While such appointments are not unusual, they stressed that the role demands diplomatic experience and a careful approach.
Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz, Malaysia’s former ambassador to the United States, told Scoop that Adams’ nomination underscores Trump’s preference for loyalty over qualifications.
“The nomination of the staunch Maga loyalist shows that Trump values loyalty to himself over an individual's qualifications needed to take on an envoy job,” said Nazri.
Datuk Ilango Karuppannan, former high commissioner to Singapore, echoed the sentiment, saying the appointment is aligned with Trump’s political priorities.
“The Maga agenda is important to Trump, and therefore he values someone who is committed to the cause,” he said.
Nazri added that the move also suggests Malaysia is not being viewed as a serious diplomatic partner.
“Trump does not value Malaysia as an important partner to the superpower nation,” he said, contrasting it with Malaysia’s approach.
“We don't simply send anybody (to be our ambassador to the US). We really choose someone who is fit to be ambassador.”
Adams, an Australian-born American, is known for his provocative social media posts, pro-Trump commentary, and books that promote conservative American values.
He has no formal diplomatic experience. He is the founder of the Foundation for Liberty and American Greatness (FLAG), a non-profit aimed at promoting conservative civics in US schools.
Following the announcement of his nomination, Adams described it as “the honour of a lifetime” and said he looked forward to spreading the president’s goodwill to the people of Malaysia. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the US Senate.
Political appointees common, but experience still matters
Former foreign minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah said political appointments to diplomatic posts are not new, especially in the United States.
“Most countries – including the US – would roughly appoint a quarter of their ambassadors who are former or active politicians, former top military officials or civil servants, and even corporate figures,” he told Scoop.
He added that Malaysia had also made non-career appointments, but these were limited.
“Maybe at one time – out of more than 100 ambassadors – maybe about 5 (of them are non-diplomats), but I don't think we ever had more than 10,” he said.
However, Saifuddin, who is also the Bersatu MP for Indera Mahkota, said the nature of the job means that seasoned diplomats are better equipped to manage complex international relations.
“A seasoned diplomat would know what he or she is up to or facing (other countries) during their tours. (Additionally), different countries say yes and no in different ways. So, this is where the training of a diplomat will become very handy,” he said.
He stressed the importance of institutional memory – the understanding of a country’s diplomatic history and relationships – which enables envoys to navigate sensitive issues and maintain continuity.
“That is also why you will see for certain strategic postings the ambassador could be among officers who used to serve in that particular country in a lower position maybe years before.”
“So institutional memory is very important and that is why no matter how good you are as the prime minister or a foreign minister, it is always advisable that you listen to your Foreign Affairs Ministry (Mofa) officers.”
Political envoys can succeed – with the right team
Ilango noted that political appointees can still succeed in ambassadorial roles, provided they approach the position with the right mindset and have strong teams behind them.
“So we can't say that this political appointee (Adams) is bound to fail. But, it also depends on his willingness to understand the job and its expectations,” he said.
Standing firm in Washington
Nazri, who completed his term in February, said diplomatic appointments to countries like the United States require political savvy and a readiness to defend Malaysia’s independent foreign policy positions.
He recalled being summoned five times by US officials to explain Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s strong pro-Palestinian stance, visits to Russia, and his criticisms of rising anti-China rhetoric.
“I feel not only (having) a seasoned diplomat is important, but someone who is prepared (to stand up to) the US in regards to our independent views and defend ourselves.
“We (envoys) should not be saying all the time we will convey your message to Kuala Lumpur – that is not good enough,” he said.
Can a host country reject an envoy?
In international diplomacy, the agrément process allows a host country to accept or quietly reject a proposed foreign ambassador.
Saifuddin explained that once Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry is informed of a nominee, a memo is brought to Cabinet.
If approved, the foreign minister will notify their counterpart, and credentials will be issued by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
However, if there are concerns, countries often withhold approval without making an official rejection.
“There is no specific way of saying no to a nominated ambassador from a friendly country. Sometimes the receiving country just delays (their response). They will keep on delaying until we get (their message),” Saifuddin said.
“Normally we would get their agrément in six months. But it has been nine months, and yet we have not got it. So we can already assume (their disagreement).”
He shared that Malaysia had previously faced such a situation with an Asean neighbour, eventually submitting a different name.
When asked if Putrajaya should object to Adams’ nomination, Saifuddin advised against doing so publicly.
“In the past, we had occasions where we disagreed with a name (but) – normally we do it in more than one way – but definitely not making it official. This is where diplomacy sometimes becomes very blurred.” – July 12, 2025
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