Tuesday, October 29, 2013

DPM 'apologises' to Azizan's family


Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has apologised for an alleged insult directed at the family of the late Azizan Abdul Razak, whose death triggered the Sungai Limau by-election.

Speaking to reporters in Bukit Choras today, Muhyiddin said he apologised "if" Azizan's family felt insulted, but added that his remarks should not have been construed as an insult.

“It was not my intention to tarnish the good name of the late (Azizan) or belittle him... however, whatever I had said, if it was misconstrued or if it had offended the feelings of the family, as a human being I apologise if I made a mistake even though it was not intended so," he said.

Muhyiddin was referring to his speech on Saturday, where he defended the federal government's decision to abolish sugar subsidy and made reference to the fact that Azizan had suffered from diabetes.

Following this, Azizan's family demanded an apology from Muhyiddin for trying to score political points while the family was still grieving.

Muhyiddin told reporters that he had gone through a video recording of his speech and did not believe that he had insulted anyone as he was just discussing about Budget 2014.
Online outlets blamed
He said he was merely using the campaign to explain the government's policy on the abolishment of sugar subsidies and he had no malice towards Azizan nor his family.
He also stressed that he had visited Azizan prior to his death and noted that the former Kedah menteri besar was someone who had served the state.
Instead, he blamed social media and a news website for the controversy, claiming that these outlets had used the issue against him because they have run out of material to use against BN.
He expressed hoped that the family will accept his apology and that PAS will let the matter rest.

Muhyiddin also revealed that PAS Youth representatives had met him to demand an apology and he had used the opportunity to explain matters to them.
To view video recording to Muhyiddin Yassin's contentious speech, please click here.

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