‘It's really unfortunate’: ex-M’sia minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad on Trump’s nominated US ambassador

Former Malaysian Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Stability, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, has called U.S. President Donald Trump’s choice of ambassador to Malaysia “unfortunate”.

“I don’t know who (would) want to be seen with him,” Nik Nazmi told Mothership at a ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute seminar on Jul. 17, referring to Trump’s nominated envoy, right-wing influencer Nick Adams.

Calls for rejection

Since his nomination on Jul. 10, Adams has been subject to a storm of criticism, with many Malaysians calling for the country to reject him, citing his track record of controversial remarks about Islam and open support of Israel.

Nik Nazmi explained:

“I think it's unfortunate. I have a soft spot for the U.S. Just as we cannot have the U.S. as a sole superpower, we also do not want to have China as a sole superpower.

But the U.S. is burning through its political capital through these sorts of appointments, and I think that is really unfortunate.”

“We would love to be able to have someone, even from the Trump administration, who would be a bit better for Malaysia,” he added.

Nik Nazmi was speaking at a ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute seminar titled, "Political Friction and Policy Fatigue in Malaysia? Insights from Cabinet and the Backbench."

Resignation as minister

Nik Nazmi has been a key figure in the recent Malaysian political intrigue.

He resolved to step down from his ministerial post after two years following his defeat in his party, Parti Keadilan Rakyat's (PKR) central leadership elections.

He and Economic Minister Rafizi Ramli failed to defend their positions as Vice President and Deputy President of PKR, respectively.

Despite Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressing hopes for him to stay on as minister, Nik Nazmi announced his resignation in May, just hours after Rafizi had done the same.

“I recognise that my then-position as Vice President of Keadilan (PKR) was a key consideration in my Cabinet appointment. As I have failed to defend my party post during its recent elections, I have decided to resign as a Minister,” Nik Nazmi said in a press statement, echoing Rafizi’s belief that the PKR’s mandate was necessary for broad reform.

Quoting the late British Member of Parliament Tony Benn, he added, “I am leaving the Cabinet to give more time to politics and public service.”

Nik Nazmi continues to serve as the Member of Parliament representing the Kuala Lumpur suburb of Setiawangsa.

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Top image via Mothership