KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 — Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has apologised today to the family of the late former Kedah mentri besar Tan Sri Azizan Razak for a jibe regarding sugar subsidy on Saturday.

According to Muhyiddin, his statement made during a meeting with parents and teachers in Sungai Limau, Kedah, was not meant to tarnish or belittle Azizan, who was suffering from diabetes before his death.

“Whoever heard my speech in the event would have understood what I meant with the budget and the step to abolish sugar subsidy,” said Muhyiddin, as reported by Malay daily Sinar Harian.

Muhyiddin explained that he only mentioned Azizan slightly, as he stressed the need to reduce the usage of sugar, which in excess causes diabetes.

Before his death, the late Azizan had suffered from diabetes, causing both of his legs to be amputated in May.

The 69-year-old subsequently passed away from serious heart complication late last month in Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, where he had been treated since August.

“There was no intention to belittle him. However, if the statement was misinterpreted or had hurt the feelings of his family, I apologise,” Muhyiddin added, referring to Azizan.

Muhyiddin also stressed that Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom was also there during his speech, and could vouch for his claims today.

“I hope they can accept this explanation with an open heart. As Muslims it's important for us to forgive and forget. I was only talking about the budget and of benefits to the people. So I hope it has not been taken advantage of.”

Following Muhyiddin's speech on Saturday, Kedah PAS commissioner Datuk Mahfuz Omar had urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to reprimand his deputy on the matter.

English daily The Star reported that state PAS Youth chief Nasir Zakaria had asked Muhyiddin to clarify his statement earlier today.

Nasir and Kedah PAS Youth has since accepted Muhyiddin's explanation and apology, admitting that they heard about the matter from a secondary source.