Trump’s Hooters-loving Malaysia ambassador pick worries Asean diplomats

The choice of Nick Adams as US ambassador to Malaysia has worried observers that he was picked for political loyalty rather than diplomatic expertise. -- Photo: NickAdamsinUS/Twitter via South China Morning Post

KUALA LUMPUR (SCMP): The White House’s decision to nominate right-wing commentator Nick Adams as ambassador to Malaysia has sparked unease among diplomats and observers in Southeast Asia, amid concerns that US President Donald Trump is prioritising political loyalty over diplomatic expertise.

Adams, an Australian-born conservative activist, was among five ambassadorial picks submitted for Senate confirmation this week, alongside nominees for Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Kazakhstan.