Nick Adams as US Ambassador: A danger to our national principles, global moral conscience

The recent nomination of Nick Adams, an Australian-American conservative political commentator, as the United States Ambassador to Malaysia is not just diplomatically offensive — it is morally unacceptable. Malaysia must firmly and unequivocally reject this appointment.

Nick Adams is not a neutral diplomat. He is a hardline ideologue, well known for his open hostility towards the Palestinian cause, his uncritical support of the Zionist colonial regime in Israel, and his repeated rhetorical attacks on Islam and Muslims in global forums and on social media. Appointing such a figure to represent the United States in Malaysia — a country with a proud tradition of standing for justice and peace, particularly in defence of Palestinian rights — is a diplomatic provocation and a betrayal of international decency.

1. Nick Adams: An Agent of Division, Not Diplomacy

Nick Adams (born Nicholas Adamopoulos, 5 September 1984) is not a career diplomat nor a figure known for promoting peace or dialogue. He has made a career out of being divisive, Islamophobic, and unapologetically pro-Zionist, frequently glorifying the Israeli military, mocking Muslim values, and attacking anyone who supports the Palestinian struggle for freedom.

He has publicly called critics of Israel “terrorist sympathizers,” and refers to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement as “anti-Semitic extremism” — ignoring the fact that BDS is a peaceful, global civil rights movement inspired by anti-apartheid activism. His unapologetic alignment with Israeli apartheid policies renders him unfit to serve in a multicultural, Muslim-majority country like Malaysia.

2. A Deep Insult to Malaysia’s Longstanding Commitment to Palestine

Malaysia has consistently and proudly defended the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, statehood, and dignity — from Tunku Abdul Rahman’s era to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today. In 2024, Malaysia was among the countries that supported South Africa’s application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza — a move praised globally by human rights advocates.

To now accept as ambassador a man who:

Ridicules the suffering of Palestinians,

Defends the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza,

Supports illegal settlements in the West Bank, and

Vilifies Muslim resistance to Zionist expansion,

…would be nothing short of betraying our own moral compass and diplomatic integrity.

3. Malaysia’s Position Must Be Non-Negotiable

Let us be clear: this is not about rejecting an American. It is about rejecting extremism, rejecting anti-Muslim rhetoric, and rejecting the normalisation of apartheid and colonial violence. As a sovereign nation with a firm foreign policy foundation, Malaysia has every right to refuse any ambassador whose record is incompatible with our national values and strategic principles.

Malaysia’s Foreign Policy Framework 2021–2025 states that “our diplomacy shall be rooted in the principles of justice, multilateralism, and defence of the oppressed.” The appointment of Nick Adams is the antithesis of these principles.

4. The People’s Voice Must Be Heard

Malaysians from all walks of life — Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and others — have repeatedly shown solidarity with the Palestinian people. Between 2023 to 2024, tens of thousands marched across Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Kota Kinabalu, condemning Israel’s occupation and apartheid. Civil society, youth movements, religious leaders, and parliamentarians are united on this issue.

Accepting Nick Adams would be an insult to every Malaysian who has ever:

Raised funds for Gaza,

Waved the Palestinian flag in protest,

Or called for justice on international platforms.

5. A Diplomatic Precedent with Global Implications

Should Malaysia accept this nomination, it would set a dangerous precedent: that nations like ours — formerly colonised, proudly independent, morally consistent — are expected to stay silent while foreign powers impose undiplomatic envoys who mock our values and beliefs.

We must send a clear message to the world and to Washington: Malaysia will not compromise its soul. We will not allow a figure who has vilified the oppressed and cheered for occupiers to represent any power — no matter how mighty — on our soil.

Conclusion: Malaysia Must Say “No”

Malaysia must formally reject the nomination of Nick Adams as the US Ambassador to Malaysia. Our stand for Palestine is not symbolic — it is rooted in our Constitution, our conscience, and our commitment to global justice. We welcome diplomacy, but we reject hatred disguised as “foreign relations.”

Nick Adams is not a diplomat. He is an ideologue of colonial supremacy.
Malaysia deserves better — and the world needs to hear us say it, loudly and clearly.

Suggested Actions:

The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra) must issue an immediate statement rejecting the nomination.

Malaysian Parliament should pass a bipartisan resolution affirming national opposition to ambassadors who undermine human rights.

Civil society should mobilise petitions and peaceful protests to show public rejection.

Media outlets must amplify the message that Malaysia is not a playground for foreign ideologues.

Let this be the moment where Malaysia draws a line and says:

“We will not allow Palestine to be insulted on our watch.”