Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today confirmed that he has received a letter of resignation from his special officer, Nasir Safar yesterday evening.

When making the announcement, Najib regarded the matter as a lesson to be heeded by everyone.

This NONE followed calls from various Barisan Nasional component party leaders urging immediate and stern action against Nasir ( centre in green shirt ) for allegedly making racist statements during a seminar titled 'Rapat 1Malaysia' in Malacca.

Yesterday, the PM's department issued a statement that the special officer to Najib will be resigning his position over his controversial statement "regardless in what situation it was made since his actions actually reflects on the prime ministers.

Nasir rose to notoriety when he allegedly made statements labeling Indians and Chinese in this country as 'pendatang' or immigrants.

According to Bernama , the prime minister told a news conference at the Melaka chief minister's residence that the 1Malaysia vision is not affected by Nasir's statement.

He also said, "The statement is not in any way a reflection of my stand."

He also believed that the incident would serve as a lesson for all.

Najib said Nasir had expressed regret and apologised over the remark.

He had also taken the responsibility to resign despite the fact that last year he delivered 60 ceramah without any problem, remarked the prime minister.

"He has owned up to it and therefore decided to resign. He is no longer my special officer," said Najib.

Asked whether Nasir would be investigated under the Sedition Act 1948 following the statement, the premier answered that it was up to the authorities to decide.

Nasir made a public apology

Meanwhile, Nasir made a public apology to all Malaysians over remarks he made on Tuesday which have been deemed to be racist.

"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 in a statement today.

Nasir said he had also resigned from his post as an aide to the prime minister in taking responsibility over the matter.

"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," he added.

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

- Bernama