Dozens protest in Malaysia against ‘alpha male’ Trump nominee for US envoy

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Protesters in Kuala Lumpur on July 18 holding pictures of political commentator Nick Adams, whom US President Donald Trump has nominated to be US ambassador to Malaysia.

PHOTO: REUTERS

KUALA LUMPUR – Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on July 18 to protest against the proposed appointment of Mr Nick Adams, a self-styled “alpha male” influencer, as the US envoy to Malaysia.

US President Donald Trump last week named Mr Adams, an outspoken author and political commentator, as the White House’s

nominee for ambassador to Malaysia

Mr Adams, a naturalised US citizen originally from Australia, has cultivated a brash social media persona, using a macho, “alpha male” branding to weigh in on cultural issues and appeal to an audience of mainly young men.

But it is his posts harshly criticising Islam and showing support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza that has angered Muslims in Malaysia, triggering a rare protest against a foreign diplomatic appointment in the South-east Asian country.

The outcry comes at a critical time for Malaysia, which has until Aug 1 to reach a trade deal with Washington to avoid

a steep 25 per cent tariff

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told reporters on July 18 that it was too early in the process to decide on Mr Adams’ appointment, but his government would give the matter due consideration.

“At the same time, we will seek to