Malaysian PM's ex-aide publicly apologises over racist Chinese and Indian remarks

Kuala Lumpur, Feb. 5 (ANI): Nasir Safar, who resigned as the special aide to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak after making racist remarks against Chinese and Indian ethnic minorities, has publicly apologised to all Malaysians.

"Once again I wish to make an open apology to all Malaysians over the remarks which are deemed to be racist, although I never intended it as such," The Star Online quoted Safar, as saying.

Safar said he had taken cognisance of the various reactions that had arisen among the people following his speech made at a seminar in Malacca earlier this week.

"I have already clarified that I had no intention to make statements that were racist in nature or insulting to any community. Nevertheless, some quarters think otherwise and I am apologising over any mistake (on my part)," he said.

He pointed out that he had resigned from his post taking responsibility over the matter.

Nasir also said he was confident that the 1Malaysia concept mooted by Najib Tun Razak was the best approach to further strengthen multiracial harmony in the country.

Earlier, Razak had said the 1Malaysia vision would not be hampered as a result of Nasir's remarks as they did not reflect the stand of his administration. (ANI)