Zaid said that while Washington may propose whoever it wishes, the ultimate decision lies with Putrajaya.

“It is Malaysia, not Washington, that ultimately decides who shall be granted the privilege of representing foreign interests on our soil,” he said in a strongly worded post on X.

His comments came after reports surfaced that Adams is being considered by president Donald Trump for the post of US ambassador to Malaysia.

Zaid said the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations provides host countries with the discretion to accept or reject ambassadorial appointments without having to provide a reason.

“The position of ambassador is not ceremonial. Ambassadors are the face, voice, and attitude of their nation in the host country. They are meant to foster trust, deepen cooperation, and represent their nation’s highest ideals,” he said.

Zaid labelled Adams as a “right-wing agitator” and “partisan provocateur” who was neither a career diplomat nor statesman, and therefore, unsuitable for the position.

“He is a political provocateur, whose loud and divisive commentary has become fodder for American cable news but holds no value for Malaysia’s diplomatic relationship with the United States,” said Zaid, adding that accepting Adams would not be a gesture of goodwill but an insult.

He also said that Malaysia should not be treated as a dumping ground for ideological firebrands and partisan influencers.

Zaid said that rejecting such a nomination would not harm bilateral relations, but instead signal that Malaysia values substance over showmanship, and expects its partners to treat it with the same respect it offers.

“We must defend our national dignity and uphold international norms. If we have to take a long walk on this matter, then we must,” he said.