Kuala lumpur: The Cabinet has yet to receive an official memorandum from Wisma Putra regarding the reported nomination of conservative commentator and author, Nick Adams, as the next United States Ambassador to Malaysia, says the MADANI Government spokesperson, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi, who is also the Communications Minister, said that in such matters, it is standard procedure for the Cabinet to receive a formal memorandum from the Foreign Ministry on any new ambassadorial or diplomatic appointment to Malaysia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi mentioned that the matter has not yet been brought to the Cabinet’s attention and that it may be presented once further updates are received. He made these remarks while speaking to reporters after presenting appointment letters to the founding board members of the Malaysian Media Council.

When asked if Malaysia has the right to reject Adams’ appointment, Fahmi referred to diplomatic norms, explaining the concept of ‘agr©ment’, where the host country must first accept the nominee. This practice is reciprocal, as Malaysia must also obtain approval when appointing its envoys abroad.

International media previously reported that US President Donald Trump had nominated Nick Adams, an Australian-born conservative political commentator who is now a US citizen, to serve as the US Ambassador to Malaysia. The nomination has sparked debate, with former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin stating that Malaysia has every right to reject Adams’ appointment. He cited Article 4 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which allows a receiving state to refuse any diplomatic envoy without justification.

Under diplomatic protocol, it is a fundamental principle in international relations that no country may send an ambassador without the host nation’s prior consent.