KUALA LUMPUR, July 16: DAP Secretary for International Affairs Kasthuri Patto in a statement today appealed to United States President Donald Trump to reconsider the appointment of Nick Adams as US Ambassador to Malaysia.
Trump’s recent announcement of the ambassador’s role for Nick Adams, a hardcore supporter of the former, has met with a lot of controversy, with many pointing out his self-admitted prejudices against women and his extreme views of Islam as totally unsuited for a role as a diplomat.
In her statement today, Kasthuri said Malaysia deserved better, considering that ambassadors played a critical role “being a bridge between nations, the continuity of programmes and projects, of upholding universal values of diplomacy, principles, international law and human rights.
“An Ambassador shapes foreign policy, facilitates interactions, attends meetings and cultural events and is kept in the loop of latest developments in the country he or she is residing in and in their own. An Ambassador serves as the official spokesperson of the Government, partaking in the negotiations of treaties, as a primary focal point to their citizens abroad, as a direct link between the country they are in and the Government they are serving in which they speak on behalf of the Government.
“An Ambassador’s service or disservice is a litmus test on not just the sustainability of diplomatic ties between nations but the continuity of relationships, friendships and camaraderie between all actors in the structure of the foreign office,” she said citing information from the www.pathtoforeignservice.com which is a preparatory website to serve in the US Government as a Foreign Service Officer (FSO).
Kasthuri also said Nick Adams became an American citizen only in 2021, merely 4 years ago, and questioned if he had what it would take to be a bridge between the US and Malaysia in this turbulent time between trade agreements, human rights as well as peace and security?
“Malaysia and America have gained from trade talks, cultural exchanges, education, healthcare, defence, AI, human resources, climate justice, human rights, best practices according to international standards, the United Nations and also creating a healthy platform to see the exchange of women and youths in politics through training, leadership and capacity building programmes.
“This healthy alliance and bond must be preserved for more conversations, dialogues and discussions how both nations can pursue its own interests and also inspire the other to walk in the footsteps to reform, rebuild and transform for the better,” urging Trump to graciously accept the strong opinions of Malaysians on not appointing Nick Adams as US Ambassador to Malaysia.
— WE