Malaysian PM’s aide to resign over ‘racial’ remarks

KUALA LUMPUR - Nasir Safar, special officer to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, will tender his resignation over alleged racial remarks made during a seminar in Malacca, authorities said.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office Tuesday said the remarks allegedly made by Safar did not in any way reflect the views of the prime minister.

The official never intended to make any derogatory remarks. He spoke at length on the contributions made by all races in developing the country.

Safar, a former legislator, later apologised for making references to the demands made by the Indian and Chinese communities with regard to certain government education policies.

Delegates of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) and the Malaysian Chinese Association that speak for the respective communities, stormed out of the hall, The Star newspaper reported.

MIC information chief P. Kamalanathan said it was commendable that Nasir had taken responsibility for his callous and hurtful statements.