The alleged racist remark by Nasir Safar, the special officer to the prime minister, has been misconstrued, 1Malaysia Youth Graduates Club deputy chairman Najieb Mokhtar said.

"He had conducted 60 talks in 2009 and 22 talks so far this year. They were never misconstrued and misunderstood.

"This issue was a result of provocation," he told reporters in Putrajaya today.

Twenty club members gathered in front of the guard house of the Prime Minister's Department today in a show of support for Nasir.

Nasir was alleged to have made the racist remark at a 1Malaysia seminar in Melaka yesterday.

The prime minister's office yesterday issued a statement saying that Nasir would resign from his post.

Najieb, who was also present at the seminar, said there was no boycott as alleged by some people.

"It was attended by about 1,000 people from all races. Five people may have left the hall but others applaused Datuk (Nasir) before leaving."

He hoped that Nasir would not resign as he could still give good service in implementing the prime minister's mission.

- Bernama