KUALA LUMPUR – Former Malaysian ambassador to the United States, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, said that deliberately courted controversy with a viral image from a Make America Great Again (MAGA) event in Washington, aiming to make a bold return to the local political scene.
Nazri, who recently completed his two-year diplomatic stint, addressed the backlash over his presence at the Republican gathering during an appearance on Scoop’s podcast Trick Lama.
The event, held on January 19—just a day before Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration—sparked debate back home, with critics questioning whether his attendance signified political endorsement.
“The rally was a Republican affair, an invitation from the White House itself. It was for Republican leaders, ambassadors, about 80 to 90 of us, and Trump supporters. I was there in an official capacity,” Nazri clarified.
The full podcast session, hosted by Big Boom Media’s Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Zainul Arifin Isa, Group Advisor Datuk Ahirudin Attan or better known as Rocky Bru, and Group Editor-In-Chief Terence Fernandez, is slated to be released next week.
Dismissing claims that his presence signified political endorsement, he explained, “Trump had already won. It was just a feel-good moment. People came up to me, asked for a photo with a placard. I’m approachable, and I don’t see anything wrong with it.”
He compared the situation to foreign visitors supporting Malaysian culture, saying, “If an American or British national held up a Malaysia Boleh placard, we’d get excited too. I wouldn’t step on their flags or anything disrespectful.”
Nazri remained unfazed by the backlash, saying that his loyalty was to the institution of the presidency rather than Trump himself.
“I support the president because the president is an institution, not just a person. What’s important is making the crowd happy. I’m sure it was a moment they’ll remember.”
As a political appointee, Nazri emphasised that he was only accountable to the prime minister who appointed him.
“If anyone thinks I did something unethical, ask the PMX (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim). I was just trying to build a bridge.”
Despite maintaining a low profile during his ambassadorship, Nazri admitted he deliberately sought to create a buzz upon his return.
“I was quiet for two years. I don’t have social media, so I get my wife to do it for me. After the photo was taken, I told her to make it go viral. I wanted controversy—I wanted to come back with a bang.”
While his wife initially resisted the idea, he insisted. “At first, she said no, but I told her that’s what I wanted. My wife is like me—she doesn’t care about the backlash.”
Separately, Nazri said on the podcast that he has no intention to stand in elections but wants to help Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim win the next General Election, which he expects to be held late next year, and remain in power. – February 21, 2025