Envoy hopeful fails basic region quiz

Facebook
X
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email

LET’S READ SUARA SARAWAK/ NEW SARAWAK TRIBUNE E-PAPER FOR FREE AS ​​EARLY AS 2 AM EVERY DAY. CLICK LINK

WASHINGTON: Anjani Sinha, US President Donald Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Singapore, was berated during a Senate hearing after failing to answer basic questions about the region.

Sinha, a New York-based orthopedic surgeon, struggled with key facts about the US ally, including ASEAN leadership and bilateral defense ties. When asked about the 2024 US trade surplus with Singapore, he guessed “80 billion, 18 billion” — far off the actual figure of $2.8 billion.

“Sir, you have not done your homework,” said Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, calling the nomination unserious.

“Singapore is one of our most important partners in the Indo-Pacific. This is not a glamour posting.”

Duckworth concluded that Sinha was “unqualified” and urged the administration to pick someone who would “actually do the work.”

The State Department describes Sinha as a prominent orthopedic surgeon and entrepreneur.

The hearing coincided with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s ASEAN visit in Malaysia, where another Trump pick — conservative commentator Nick Adams — made headlines after thanking Trump on X for nominating him as ambassador to Malaysia. – AFP

Related News

Most Viewed Last 2 Days