KUALA LUMPUR/SYDNEY — U.S. President Donald Trump’s nomination of conservative commentator and arch-loyalist Nick Adams as his next ambassador to Malaysia has triggered alarm in diplomatic circles and sparked criticism in both Malaysia and Australia, where the right-wing firebrand grew up and first made headlines two decades ago.
However, observers also said that Adams’ close ties to Trump could benefit Malaysia as it seeks to address a range of policy issues with Washington, notably trade ties.